Rockweed Research Priorities Symposium Summary

Rockweed Research Priorities Symposium
February 10, 2010 (9:30-3:30)
Buchanan Center, University of Maine, Orono
Agenda, PDF file, 2 pages, 14 kb

Condensed minutes of the symposium here, PDF file, 18 pages, 133 kb

Symposium Schedule
As a result of this meeting, representatives of the rockweed industry, the research community and public resource managers wish to:

1) Summarize what we know about the rockweed resource, its ecology and habitat, the effects of harvesting on the marine environment and other species, and the economic and social benefits and costs of this industry; and

2) Identify and prioritize research needs that will expand our knowledge and help to ensure a sustainable resource.

10:00 Welcome (Maine Seaweed Council, Maine Department of Marine Resources, University of Maine Sea Grant)
Overview of Meeting and Outcomes and Working Agreements
Introductions

10:10 History and Overview of Rockweed Harvesting and Economics in Maine
          Maine Seaweed Council-Robert Morse
          (Brief Presentation with time for some questions)

10:40 Broad Topic # 1: Biomass Assessment (Dr. Raul Ugarte)
          Why is this biomass assessment important? What does past and current research tell us about the location, quantity and quality of rockweed along Maine’s coast? What do we need to know more about?
          Dr. Ugarte's presentation, PDF format, 50 slides, 6.3 MB

11:15 Broad Topic # 2: Ecology and Habitat (Dr. Thomas Trott)
Why is knowledge about ecology and habitat important? What do we know about the ecology of places where rockweed grows, including ways in which rockweed serves as habitat for other species? What do we need to know more about?
Dr. Trott's presentation, PDF format, 15 slides, 378 kb

12:45 Broad Topic # 3 Effects of Harvesting (Dr. Jill Fegley)
Why is knowledge about effects of rockweed harvesting important? What do we know about how harvesting affects the marine environment and other species? What do we need to know more about?
Dr. Fegley's presentation, PDF format, 20 slides, 1 MB

1:45 Broad Topic # 4 Economic and Social Benefits and Costs of Rockweed Harvesting
Why is knowledge about economic and social benefits and costs important? What do we know already? What research is needed and how would we frame the questions?

2:30 Prioritization of Research Suggestions
(We will use preference voting and seek consensus from participants on high, medium and low priorities for research suggested in each broad topic)
Results of preference voting, PDF format, 3 pages, 46 kb

3:15 Next steps: How can we (DMR, the seaweed industry and researchers) work together to follow up on the results of our discussion and consensus on research priorities

3:30 Adjourn

More information about Cobscook Bay area rockweed harvesting

DEPT. OF MARINE RESOURCES

Rockweed Research Priorities Symposium Summary