Maine’s Aquaculture Sector & Its R&D Priorities

Within a competitive world economy, Maine’s economic prosperity is dependent on its geography, physical resources and human capital. In this context, Maine’s coastline and marine resources represent a unique asset supporting a wide spectrum of interlinked sectors and within this spectrum the aquaculture sector plays a major role. Of the approximate 107 aquaculture businesses in production in Maine in 2014, 71 replied to the 2015 Maine Aquaculture Economic Impact Survey. In order to provide current insights on the nature of Maine’s industry, the study aims to provide an up-to-date and accurate understanding of the economic impact aquaculture has on the state of Maine, and to determine aquaculture business owner and farm demographics