Marine Technology and Aquaculture

Commercial aquaculture, including both shellfish (oysters and mussels) and finfish (primarily Atlantic salmon) is a significant industry in many coastal communities in Maine. It benefits directly from significant research capacity in cold-water aquaculture, and marine-related animal husbandry, especially disease.

Marine research organizations also support a growing sector in marine instrumentation and equipment and marine services, while dominating Maine's research community.

In addition, with the inclusion of shipbuilding and design, primarily at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Maine has the largest marine technology employment in New England.

With the recent increase in interest in ocean energy projects, Maine's expertise in marine technology and aquaculture is a critical competitive advantage.

Research Institutions and Centers

• Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
• Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Program
• Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research
• College of Marine Science, UMO
• Darling Marine Center
• Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research
• Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS)
• Gulf of Maine Research Institute
• Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
• Maine Maritime Academy
• Maine Sea Grant Program
• Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
• University of Maine Law School Marine Law Institute
• University of Maine, Machias
• University of New England Marine Science Center
• Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology

Trade Associations

• Maine Aquaculture Association
• Maine Marine Research Coalition