Post on 24-Jan-2016
Marine Aquaculture in Maine: Preserving industry's place on
a changing coast.
Paul S. Anderson
University of Maine, Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension
Island Institute
Population Change 1990-2000; Maine Counties
13.5%
9.2%
5.0%
10.7%9.1% 9.9% 10.3%
-1.4%
1.0%
-1.1%
4.1%
1.6% 2.3%
-7.6%
-15.0%
-3.9%
-20%
-15%
-10%
-5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
York
Cumber
land
Sagad
ahoc
Linco
lnKnox
Wald
o
Hancock
Androsco
g.
Kennebec
Penobsc
ot
Oxford
Frankl
in
Somer
set
Pisca
taquis
Aroosto
ok
Wash
ingto
n
Shell Fish Aquaculture
63 Leases in Maine
Finfish Aquaculture
44 sites in Maine
Goals for Aquaculture Theme
•Provide information and technical support to enhance the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry.
• Contribute to the ongoing debate about aquaculture in the state of Maine by providing the public with unbiased and accurate information.
Challenges to the Salmon Aquaculture Industry in Maine
• Disease (Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) / sea lice)• NPDES permit requirement from EPA (suit by
USPIRG)• Nutrient loading concerns• Listing of wild Atlantic Salmon as Endangered
– Use of non-native genetic hybrids has become a concern– Escapement becomes and issue– Need for tagging or identification of farm-raised animals– Disease transmission
• Siting of pens – criteria challenged– Gentrification of the coast – loosing the working waterfront– Aesthetic / noise concerns by public
What is the role for extension?
• Public scoping sessions in communities– Industry / public / agency
• Publication – “Marine Aquaculture: How The Public can Participate in the Leasing Process for Marine Aquaculture in Maine”
• Applied Research
The Challenge
• Communicating with stakeholders when there is litigation pending
• Bridging the gap between science and policy
• Maintaining an unbiased position
• Establishing trust with concerned citizens when we are viewed as proponents