Free training classes to begin early November 2020 in the Downeast region

Washington & Hancock Counties, ME – Commercial fishermen and members of fishing families who are interested in diversifying their incomes are invited to participate in an aquaculture training course offered by the Maine Aquaculture Hub. Aquaculture production of shellfish and seaweed presents an opportunity for Maine fishermen and other marine resource users to continue to work on the water and maintain a livelihood while producing quality local seafood.

The 2020-2021 Aquaculture in Shared Waters class is now organizing, targeting Hancock and Washington Counties, with classes to begin early November at a location to be determined. Classes will be held one night each week for 12 sessions, concluding in February. We are planning for in-person sessions with the potential for virtual. The course is free of charge with the expectation that students commit to regularly attending all 12 sessions. Space is limited – those interested are encouraged to complete the brief application survey here.

The training delivers a comprehensive curriculum on shellfish and seaweed production, covering such topics as site selection, equipment and husbandry methods, regulation and permitting, farm operations, marketing, business and financial management, biosecurity, community relations and public health. The class provides a broad set of reference materials to each student, and introduces students to a set of industry, scientific and regulatory experts, to advance their professional network. Students who participate at a minimum of 70% of the sessions and attend critical presentations such as leasing, biosecurity and public health, will receive a Certification of Completion upon conclusion of the training.

The Aquaculture in Shared Waters Training began in 2013 and has helped dozens of students start or improve their aquaculture business. This cohort of Aquaculture in Shared Waters is funded by the Maine Aquaculture Hub, a project supported by Maine Sea Grant, the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, Maine Aquaculture Association, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., and the University of Maine Aquaculture Research Institute.

For those interested in the program, please complete the application survey here.

For more information, contact Heather Sadusky, Maine Aquaculture Hub Coordinator: heather.sadusky@maine.edu