Maine Sea Farmer’s News Bulletin

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Maine Sea Grant Biennial Research Symposium – Thursday, November 5
Research presentations, a poster session and networking. Registration and details:
https://seagrant.umaine.edu/maine-sea-grant-research-symposium/

2. Maine Fishermen's Forum 2027 – Seminar Proposals Now Open
Submit a seminar proposal for the upcoming Forum at the Samoset Resort, Rockport.
https://mainefishermensforum.org/2027-seminar-rfp/

3. Grants to Help Reduce Energy Costs for Maine Rural Businesses – Deadline November 3, 2026, 4 p.m.
$950,000 in ACRE grants and technical assistance for small rural businesses. Apply through the State of Maine Vendor Self Service System (VSS), RFA #202609150.

4. Marine Debris Foundation – Clean Oceans Innovation Hub
Concept notes accepted on a rolling basis for solutions that prevent or remove marine debris. Questions: [email protected]

5. Survey Request from SHRED Electric
A 5–10 minute survey supporting development of the ShredCube™ for fisheries. The first 20 respondents receive a $50 stipend.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNJK8TH

6. MAMP Winter Book Clubs
Online book clubs from the Maine Agricultural Mediation Program on "Difficult Conversations" (from November 4) and "Thanks for the Feedback" (from January 20), Wednesdays 12–1 pm ET via Zoom.

7. 2027 LPA Renewal Period Now Open – Deadline November 30, 2026
All Limited Purpose Aquaculture licence holders must complete the renewal application and quiz. Questions: [email protected] or 207-350-7815.
https://www.maine.gov/dmr/node/1901

8. Northeast SARE Farmer Grant – Deadline December 8, 2026, 4 p.m. ET
Awards of up to $50,000 for farmer-led projects.
View the call: https://northeast.sare.org/FarmerGrantCall
Register for Q&A sessions: https://northeast.sare.org/FarmerGrantQA
Projects database: https://projects.sare.org
Grantee videos: https://northeast.sare.org/grants/get-a-grant/farmer-grant-program/videos-farmers-and-their-technical-advisors/

9. Canada's Response to MSX
News: Canada's Ocean Supercluster invests $1.1M to develop MSX-resistant oyster seed.
https://app.dealroom.co/news/feed/canada-s-ocean-supercluster-invests-1-1m-to-develop-msx-resistant-oyster-seed

10. Karenia and Shellfish – Notes from Dr. Gary Wikfors, NOAA Milford Lab
Open-access research on Karenia species and their effects on bivalves.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-71209-7
https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/01075/118625/

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

1. NOAA Fisheries has created listening sessions to discuss and take comments on seeking Aquaculture Opportunity Areas
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/seeking-public-comments-where-look-new-aquaculture-opportunity-areas

2. Atlantic Canada Aquaculture Studio launches in St. John's NFLD
https://www.aquaculturenorthamerica.com/federal-government-to-launch-aquaculture-studio-in-st-johns-n-l/

3. Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NRDRAP) applications Open Friday, August 14
https://maine-dacf.wizehive.app/program/nrdrap/applicant/application/info
For updates, eligibility information, and application details, visit maine.gov/dacf/nrdrap, email [email protected], or call (207) 530-3144.

4. Maybe the best job anywhere: Open position at Hawai'i Sea Grant

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/hawaiiedu/jobs/5448383/assistant-extension-agent-0088279t?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

5. Oyster farming equipment for sale

Amanda Moeser - Lane's Island Oysters
608-469-0653 or [email protected]

6. SARE is Hiring a Business Manager

https://www.sare.org/?utm_source=SARE+%26+Regions&utm_campaign=8b3249da2f-Business+Manager&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-7f1e9ef86d-647057282

7. Marine Debris Symposium at Univ of Maine

https://secure.touchnet.com/C22921_ustores/web/store_cat.jsp?STOREID=218&CATID=482&SINGLESTORE=true

8. Northeast SARE Grad Student Research Grant Program - Call for Proposals

northeast.sare.org/GraduateStudentCall

northeast.sare.org/GraduateStudentQA

9. DMR: new electronic aquaculture leasing application system

https://www.maine.gov/dmr/aquaculture/applications-and-forms/application-portal-faq

10. Funding Opportunity: Algae Kickstarter Grants funded by the MARIA Project
Questions about the proposal submission process should be directed to the Vice President for Research ([email protected]), and questions about algae, science, and/or NCMA assets/staff should be directed to the MARIA Project principal investigator ([email protected]).
Application form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeL9J2B3OXmUfufqzg5jjmL5AGHClzC8yun4MO7jnpNXt6y-g/viewform

11. Atlantic Aqua Farms Research Associate

Position: Research Associate
Location: Bremen or Walpole, Maine
Position Type: Full-Time, In-Office
Salary Range: $58,000 - $68,000

Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

1 | Project to test bird deterrents on oyster farms
https://www.facebook.com/merepointoyster

2 | New Oyster Bar
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/06/05/hancock/hancock-business/new-oyster-bar-blue-hill-joam40zk0w/

3 | Islesboro Central School grows scallops
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/06/05/midcoast/islesboro-maine-scallops-farming-aquaculture-students/

7 | Agritourism Webinars - possibilities for Oyster Trail Members
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=q6g_QX0gYkubzeoajy-GToLeAkM9WVRCnQAiX2biKYpUQzJNTVRMNDlNN0ZFVEpaRU5HWU9FWUpBSSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

9 |
Town of Brunswick Receives International ESRI Special Achievement in GIS (Septic System Analysis)
https://events.esri.com/conference/sagList/?fa=Detail&SID=10201

10 |
Job Posting: Maine Fishermen's Forum Event Manager (time-sensitive!)
[email protected] Click here for more info: https://tinyurl.com/cyut9vne

11 | Funding Opportunities in Organic Transitions; Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agriculture; and Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Capacity Applications
Deadline: July 27, 2026
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/integrated-research-education-extension-competitive-grants-program-organic-transitions?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
or
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/urban-indoor-emerging-agriculture?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

12 | Maine Blue Economy Week, Sept 30-Oct 2
Get tickets: maineblueeconomyweek.com

13 | Funding Opportunity: Farm Business Management and Benchmarking Competitive Grants Program NOFO

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/farm-business-management-benchmarking-competitive-grants-program-fbmb?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

or 

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/farm-business-management-benchmarking-competitive-grants-program?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.


1. ICSR 2026 - Abstract deadline June 12 - Register now
https://www.shellfish-society.org/member/login.html?redirect=/abstracts/submit.html

2.  119th Annual Meeting of the NSA
Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards Baltimore, Maryland, USA March 21-25, 2027

Questions or interest can be sent to: Matt Parker [email protected]

3. Vibrio Control Plan Effective June 1

As we enter the warmer months, including two 90°F+ days already this past week, this is a reminder that Vibrio season begins Monday, June 1.

Please remember to COOL OYSTERS AND HARD CLAMS TO 50°F OR BELOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO REDUCE POST-HARVEST GROWTH OF VIBRIO BACTERIA.

Chapter 15: https://www.maine.gov/dmr/sites/maine.gov.dmr/files/inline-files/Chapter115_03192024.pdf

4. Resources for softshell clam hatchery, nursery, re-seeding etc.
https://downeastinstitute.org/industry-impact/fisheries-stock-enhancement-restoration/clam-kit-simple-shellfish-management-tools/

5. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Course

https://www.conservationfund.org/our-programs/freshwater-institute/

6. Show your mussels - June 18th!
https://investigate.gmri.org/project/mussel_mapping

7.  Please save the date for the Northeast Region Marine Debris Action Plan Symposium in Boston: December 1 - 3, 2026.
on behalf of the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the New England Aquarium, and the Symposium Planning Team

Demi Fox

Northeast Regional Coordinator

NOAA Marine Debris Program

‪978-281-9136‬

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

1. 2026 RARGOM Annual Science Meeting, Wednesday, November 4, 2026, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
https://www.rargom.org/annual-science-meeting/

2. Island Sea Grant's Extension program is seeking a Marine Research Associate III who will focus on RISG's coastal resilience portfolio while also supporting the program's blue economy, energy, and fisheries and aquaculture work.  https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16642

3. The Local Food Switchboard beta site is LIVE!
https://www.mainefoodconvergence.org/

4. Our May newsletter in available online -
We have stopped printing copies so if you want access to our unique and informative content you need to signup for our

Constant Contact or this LISTSERV to get notifications that a new edition has been posted.

here's the link:
https://www.constantcontact.com/?cc=forms_inline
https://ecsga.org/newsletter-archives/   -

5. 
Grant opportunity: SARE Seeks Outreach Products to Advance Sustainable Agriculture
https://www.sare.org/about/SARE-Outreach/Publishing-with-SARE-Outreach/New-Product-Nomination-Form/

6. Job Posting: Kennebec River DMR Trap and Truck Position
TRI-STATE STAFFING CONTRACT POSITION
MAINE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
$19.50 hourly
May - October 2026

7. Nutrition Data on Shellfish
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63a1cefa1ec5262aaf1b0952/t/68c022e280a1b627b61dced6/1757422306823/New+Data_Bivalve+Handbook+for+Producers+%28F%2BP%2C+2025%29.pdf

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63a1cefa1ec5262aaf1b0952/t/698f42f331b7936dbd537363/1770996467508/Food+%2B+Planet+Bivalve+Handbook+for+Consumers+%282026+UPDATE%29-compressed.pdf

8. Online: Introduction to Aquaculture and Recirculating Systems
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mmXtslemhrXwjQudmmqpjS7JUxBaEu-E?usp=drive_link

9. 
Where are blue crabs in the Gulf of Maine? 
https://www.manomet.org/bluecrab/

10. Grant opportunity - USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/beginning-farmer-rancher-development-program?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

11. USDA-NIFA Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture Research - competition open - deadline 6/15/26
NIFA requests applications for the Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture Research

for FY 2026. The amount available for grants in FY 2026 is approximately $1,813,000. If this program receives appropriated funds in FY 2027, meritorious projects identified in the FY 2026 competition that did not receive funding in FY 2026 may be recommended for award using FY 2027 funds. In this case, a separate NOFO may not be issued for the FY 2027 funds.

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

1. Job Posting: Shellfish Farm Manager and Hatchery Technician

 Aquaculture Research Institute Deadline: May 1, 2026
https://fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/job/2520

2. Urchin Tech News

https://umaine.edu/news/2026/03/umaine-led-delegation-to-japan-aims-to-strengthen-maines-sea-urchin-industry/

3. Job Posting: Hatchery Technician - Muscongus Bay Aquaculture

Please contact Nellie for details at: [email protected]. You can also see the job through Indeed.com: https://www.indeed.com/q-hatcheries-l-maine-jobs.html?vjk=a1e651f0934cafaa

4. Maine Oyster Mortality Survey

https://wmsas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ePxtsNeUqohapNk

5. Maine Aquaculture Programmatic General Permit - New Public Notice

https://publibrary.sec.usace.army.mil/resource?title=Public%20Notice%20for%20NAE-2025-00426&documentId=4a9c1a97-7069-451d-cab6-995bc5bb3eb6

6. Maine Seaweed Week.

Full schedule here: https://seaweedweek.org/events/

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

1. 

Maine Oyster Company, Industry Nights Maine Oyster Company Event

38 Portland St, Portland, ME
Wednesdays 5:30-close

Coming up:
March 25th - Olivia Richards, Island Institute

2. 

Northeast SARE Partnership Grants Calling For Proposals - Up to $30,000 ⏰ Deadline: April 14, 2026
https://northeast.sare.org/grants/get-a-grant/partnership-grant-program/

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L9RWTV76SLuQ6H7ma0RSEg#/registration

https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/NortheastPartnershipGrantCall.pdf

3. Sales Coordinator Job Opening - Glidden Point Oyster Farm

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=a384b9bde301916f&from=shareddesktop_copy

JOCELYN GABRIEL
W:(207) 579-0575   C:(207) 347-1307
https://www.gliddenpoint.com/

6 | 'Waffle House' oyster mortality survey  

https://osf.io/yjkpg/overview

https://youtu.be/xxqnF6_YQZg?si=Q7IX3odx3KjQh_yX">

https://wmsas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ePxtsNeUqohapNk

7 | ReuseME Launches

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nvNSG0mNRS3D9lpBBEkzz4sfYjEcUeqV

Cindy Isenhour
Professor, Department of Anthropology & Climate Change Institute 
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8413-1558

8 | Friends of Aomori Info SessionJeff BadgerEvent |

Subject:
Get Involved with Maine’s Connection to Aomori, Japan
Wednesday, March 25 · 7:00 – 8:00pm Eastern
Google Meet info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jrb-onyk-qiy 

Learn more at maine-aomori.org

9 | Please Help Spread the Word: You're Invited! Maine Blue Economy Career Summit April 2nd 

DATE: Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
TIME: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM  
LOCATION: Wells Conference Center, University of Maine, Orono, Maine (131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469) 

umaine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f7515fd23834e61946fa08f1f&id=daf081e91f&e=c81ee78cd9

Tickets:

umaine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f7515fd23834e61946fa08f1f&id=85463acce9&e=c81ee78cd9

Katrina C. Armstrong, PhD | Assistant Research Professor
E: [email protected]
C: 513-305-1600

 

Please see attachment.
11 | 'Rising Tides' Book Launches April 1stBill Perna - Perna Content Resource | 

Rising Tides: Adapting to Coastal Maine’s Future will be available beginning April 1. https://www.pernacontent.com/shop-books/p/rising-tides

13 | FYA: USACE seeks public comments on potential future changes to the nationwide permits to increase permitting efficiency ⏰ Deadline: May 15, 2026
 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-05051.
USACE will accept written comments through May 15, 2026.
docket number COE-2026-0001, or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Attn: CECW-CO-R, 441 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20314-1000.

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

1.

The Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine has developed a free-access library of biosecurity tools and resources for aquaculture.

• English website: www.cfsph.iastate.edu/biosecurity/aquaculture/
• Spanish website: www.cfsph.iastate.edu/biosecurity/aquaculture-spanish/

2.

Hello from the University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka. We run a field-based semester intensive program in Sitka, Alaska 

https://aquaculturesemester.alaska.edu/

3.

Please join Maine Sea Grant, University of Maine researchers, and invited guest speakers from the New England Region for a Round Table Workshop and Laboratory Tour. 

Roundtable Workshop and Laboratory Tours

March 17, 2026

9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

~ Virtual Connection Available via Zoom for the morning session from 9:30am - 12:00 pm~

Register here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclF4FmFho8pWvCpcRkeNuRrVIhZibePMsIBgmmkvcjfXpfaw/viewform

4.

Augusta – The Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) Board and the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) are seeking proposals for Working Waterfront Access Protection Program (WWAPP) projects. 

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lmf/funds/wwapp.shtml

5.
You can listen to the next episode of Rising Tides, here:
https://www.pernacontent.com/podcast


6.

The Maine Marine Patrol has an opening for a full-time seasonal Marine Patrol Officer primarily focused on recreational fishing and boating enforcement on the Kennebec River. 

https://www.maine.gov/dmr/marine-patrol/employment/seasonal-officer

7.

The deadline has been extended for applications to the Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students (AquEOUS) Fellowship. 

We invite students and faculty to learn more about the AquEOUS Fellowship and apply by February 22, 2026. 

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

AquEOUS application page: https://umaine.edu/aquaculture/education/4701-2

8.

https://maine.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Executive/details/Environmental-Specialist-III_R26-00670

All other State of Maine job postings can be viewed here:

https://maine.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Executive

10.
For questions or details about the positions at Eros Oyster, please contact Andrew Buchner, at [email protected]

Lucky 13, whew!

Fish Hatchery and Broodstock Technician
Location: 33 Salmon Farm Road, Franklin, Maine USA
Position Type: Full-time, salaried. Onsite.

Send email and resume to: [email protected]

Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state.

1.

Now hiring:
• Farmhand
• Farm Operations Lead

Positions include shucking oysters, preparing tinned fish plates, pouring beverages, running retail and POS, and creating memorable guest experiences. Training provided.

Location: Deer Isle, Maine
Season: May–October 2026 (longer seasons for lead roles)
Pay: Competitive; commensurate with experience
Apply: [email protected]
Full details: https://www.deerisleoysterco.com/job-opportunitie

2.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/s3//2025-06/FINAL-Oyster-Aquaculture-Market-Outlook-Factsheet-MAY2025.pdf


3.

Find the application link online at https://aquacultureinsharedwaters.org/aqsw-2-0%3A-shellfish 

4.
Those of you who have followed Bill's podcast or read his book Maine Oysters: Stories of Resilience & Innovation (or been in it!) , will be delighted to know of his next publication. Check it out - and the link to his podcast is below too. 

https://www.pernacontent.com/publishing

https://www.pernacontent.com/podcast

6.

I'm excited to announce that the Aquaculture Pioneers Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Pre-RA) and the Shellfish & Seaweed Aquaculture Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) are now accepting applicants for 2026!

https://mainecareercatalyst.org/aquaculture-pioneers/

https://airtable.com/appMh58jQPYiUofY9/pagbpIHZauDpJ3f7i/form

Meg Krieger ([email protected]) & The Educate Maine Team 

https://gmri.org/projects/advancing-aquaculture/

https://themaineaquaculturist.org/

7.
NASA Data Helps Maine Oyster Farmers Choose Where to Grow

https://science.nasa.gov/earth/nasa-data-helps-maine-oyster-farmers-choose-where-to-grow

9.
https://www.odu.edu/article/keeping-birds-away-oysters-could-help-farmers-balance-productivity-and-ecology