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.

1.
https://scitechdaily.com/new-tech-slashes-kelp-production-costs-by-a-staggering-85/

2.

The Department of Fisheries, Animal & Veterinary Sciences  invites applications for an academic year (9-month), tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Fish Ecophysiology. Details here: https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16051

3.

Maine Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program

To receive the latest information directly by email:

 https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/subscriber/new?topic_id=MEDACF_36 )

 Contact DACF Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine with questions [email protected].

4.
https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/aquaculture/coastal-aquaculture-planning-portal-capp/

5.

What's that? EPISODE 2 of Shellebrate! is LIVE?! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW3d0xtGNGQ

6.
https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/norway-banned-scallop-harvesting-in-the-barents-sea-responsible-seafood-innovation-award-finalist-ava-ocean-delivered-a-tech-solution/

8.

Registration: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy0000047jqv

Important Note: A physical copy of Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance, 4th Edition (June 2022) is required in class. Digital versions will not be permitted.
Purchase link: https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1111-fish-and-fishery-products-hazards-and-controls-guidance-fda-hazards-guide-4th-edition.aspx

10.

Madeleine point oyster Farms is selling their refrigerated Mercedes sprinter van. Feel free to call Nate Henninger at 207-318-2526.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1343431547525705/?mibextid=6ojiHh
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11.

Northeast SARE is seeking grant proposal reviewers with aquaculture experience – including farmers, researchers, service providers and more!

https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Information-for-Prospective-Technical-Committee-Members.pdf

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 Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in applied aquaculture and/or fish health at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/458278

2. Want to sell Oyster Cages / Moorings gear etc?:  Please contact Nathaniel at: [email protected]

3. ST. PAUL and DULUTH, MINN. Seeking a motivated student interested in pursuing a master's degree to work with our Minnesota Sea Grant Fisheries and Aquaculture Program team in St. Paul as a graduate student in the University of Minnesota Conservation Sciences Graduate Program.

Application deadline: Priority review of applications will begin 12/15/2025 and continue until the position is filled.

Questions? Contact Amy Schrank: [email protected]. 

4. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is seeking an experienced professional in marine fisheries topics for the position of Marine Fisheries Extension Specialist. 

https://www.scseagrant.org/marine-fisheries-extension-specialist/

5. Northeast SARE Calls for Large Grant Proposals
$6.9M in Funding Available Across Four Grant Programs
 

Q&A: https://northeast.sare.org/news/2026-large-grant-question-and-answer-sessions/

Registration is available at northeast.sare.org/largegrantqa 

6. Funding Opportunity

NIFA Extends Deadlines for AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-deadlines?utm_medium=email&utm_program=fy26caprfps&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_topic=foa

7. Host farm applications are officially OPEN!

Host farm applications are now open for the upcoming 2025 season! 

You can apply here:
https://airtable.com/appMh58jQPYiUofY9/pagHwPm5kktkgbPXR/form

8. Professional Aquaculture Training

WHAT: Professional Aquaculture Training: Beyond the Basics for Businesses and Practitioners
WHEN: Tuesday, January 20–Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6-8PM (no class 2/17, 3/24, or 4/21)
WHERE: University of Rhode Island Bay Campus/Virtual
COST: $250*

If you HAVE NOT filled out the interest form, please do so here PRIOR to registering: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmvFogFvcxrOlT6q_pRBz7x2OusDIJQRTFruaktlX4NDDbSQ/viewform

Registration: https://engage.uri.edu/catalog?pagename=Rhode-Island-Sea-Grant

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 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant

View the call: https://northeast.sare.org/FarmerGrantCall
Register for Q&A Sessions: https://northeast.sare.org/FarmerGrantQA
Request Technical Assistance: https://northeast.sare.org/TAPRequest

2. Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) Survey

Take the survey: bit.ly/3Jfx8DK 

3. IT'S HERE! Video 1 of the Shell-ebrate! Bivalve Aquaculture educational video series is now online.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B54f1tgo5Jc

4. Work skiff for sale.. 19’ Carolina skiff V-series.  New mercury 75hp engine.  Center console with trailer.  Contact colleen at [email protected]

5. Professional Aquaculture Training
 

Registration is $250 and is open December 1, 2025–January 10, 2026. *Need-based scholarships are available. Direct registration questions to Rob Hudson at [email protected]. 

If you HAVE NOT filled out the interest form, please PRIOR to registering.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmvFogFvcxrOlT6q_pRBz7x2OusDIJQRTFruaktlX4NDDbSQ/viewform

6. Greetings!  OAI is hiring a manager to lead the production of Crassostrea virginica at the NOAA/USDA Northeast Oyster Breeding Center’s hatchery in Milford, CT.  

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9a93435d-91d4-4a65-8a21-2de9187df1dd&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=605152&lang=en_US&source=CC2

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.

Friends of Aomori: https://maine-aomori.org/about/friendsofaomori/
Maine-Aomori Sister State Advisory Council: https://maine-aomori.org/about/massac/

1. Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF)

 https://www.maine.gov/dot/about/funding/grants

2. The Island Creek Oysters Hatchery (Duxbury, MA) is hiring for the 2026 season.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0079/8462/files/Hatchery_Technician_10.2025.pdf?v=1759339741

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0079/8462/files/Algae_Technician_10.2025.pdf?v=1759339741

4. Cherrystone Aqua-Farms (Cape Charles, VA and Willis Wharf, VA) is hiring Hatchery Technicians for its clam and oyster hatcheries to help spawn and care for billions of bivalve babies!

 See attached .pdf for full job description. Please e-mail [email protected] to express interest.

5. Seagrass Summit, a gathering of eelgrass enthusiasts to share information, brainstorm ideas, and connect with one another.

Sign up: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=7f0f4fb8-d2e0-40f1-9004-09d0b52e5f88&envId=p-cVpSiEUouEmxCY_nzIPfIw&zone=usa

6. Early bird rate is good through December 5th.

https://www.northeastaquaculture.org/hotel-and-venue-2/

7.  2026 Maine Fishermen's Forum call for seminars is now open.  Find details at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2aFm_SPGwReam8KweOr62nLg8KTEBID1vygc4M54BuRmhHQ/viewform

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.

2.

Join the University of Maryland Extension and R&K Partners for an engaging webinar to learn how your aquaculture business could take advantage of this opportunity  

The Webinar is Wed Nov 5th at 7pm ET and will be recorded and distributed later online.  There is a limit of 75 attendees to the webinar.  You will be emailed a zoom link after you complete the registration form.

https://forms.gle/pUHke6Y8ovkEygnh6

3.

Sam May has joined the Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) as the new Genetic Services Lead for the U.S. and Canada. 

Learn more about CAT’s breeding services: https://aquatechcenter.com/services/breeding/
 

4.

Maine Shellfish Restoration Community of Practice

This is an open invitation to anyone interested in learning about or discussing shellfish restoration. We meet quarterly over zoom and our next meeting is October 15 from 1 – 2:30 pm. 

Contact Helena Tatgenhorst ([email protected]) for the meeting invite.

6.

$1000 or best offer. Can be seen at:
1803 Harpswell Island Rd ,
Orrs Island, ME
Jay McGowen
321-213-1146

7.
Derek E. Smith
207-443-5221

8.

Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation – we are excited to announce another voluntary trap disposal event at the Portland Fish Exchange on October 6th-7th. 

Please register for the event here so we can make sure to have a time-slot ready for your unloading of gear for recycling, reuse and disposal: https://forms.gle/6fXQL5DzfbALeLYr8

If you are or know an artist interested in utilizing gear please reach out to me directly at [email protected] or via phone at (207) 669 – 2814.

(207) 669 - 2814

9.

I am inviting current and former commercial kelp farmers to take part in a confidential research study. The goal of this study is to better understand what motivates people to become kelp farmers, how farming affects their well-being, and what factors influence decisions to stay in—or leave—the industry.

If you are interested—or if you would like more details—please contact me at [email protected] or 401-965-1075. Feel free to share this invitation with other kelp farmers who may also wish to participate.

Anoushka Concepcion
PhD Candidate, Department of Marine Affairs
University of Rhode Island

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. Seaweed Cooking Course - [email protected]

https://andrea1037.typeform.com/to/Xst52jAP

2. www.mainebiz.biz/article/gear-for-growing-scallops-is-harvesting-shellfish-and-awards

3. https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/lne23-479r/?utm_source=SARE+%26+Regions&utm_campaign=e932b29610-Mycelium+in+Aquaculture&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-7f1e9ef86d-647057282

4. Maine Blue Economy Summit details are here:
https://marine.umaine.edu/events-listings/2025-maine-blue-economy-innovation-summit/

5. To learn more about the MITC STEP program:
https://www.mitc.com/business-support/funding/step-financial-assist-awards/


6. To learn more about the Program Development funding opportunity, go to:
https://seagrant.umaine.edu/funding-opportunities/program-development/

8. NSA Annual Meeting - https://shellfish.memberclicks.net/annual-meeting---program

REGISTER NOW: Early-bird rate expires January 16, 2026

Abstract Deadline is December 15th - SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT NOW

9. 

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. Extension and Maine Business School offer day-long business strategy and resilience workshops 

Contact: Jason Entsminger, 207.581.1999

3. Another Washington County educational, aquaculture event in Eastport sponsored by Cooke USA, MAIC, MCE, and Sunrise County Economic Council with funding for the initiative provided by Maine Technology Institute and Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

Emily Lane  
Seafood and Aquaculture Specialist

Maine Center for Entrepreneurs

Phone:  207.208.9213.       www.mced.biz

4. Items Sale
Elliot Arons
Hatchet Cove Oysters
Friendship
917-862-6243

5. Ocean Exchange, a nonprofit that supports student entrepreneurs developing impactful solutions in sustainability, ocean innovation, and climate tech.
Apply now for a chance to win one of three $10,000 non-dilutive grants through the Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards. Applications are short, the competition is exciting, and the deadline is September 17, 2025. Apply here: https://www.oceanexchange.org/register/

6.
https://www.aquaculturenorthamerica.com/bipartisan-bill-introduced-to-advance-open-ocean-aquaculture/

7. Join us on October 24th for the 2025 Blue Economy Investment Summit! The third annual Blue Economy Investment Summit will bring together leading investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders from around the world to Maine. https://gmri.org/projects/blue-economy-investment-summit/

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 Office of Education, NOAA Fisheries, the National Sea Grant Office, and NAAEE on August 28, 2025

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vdPI7lSCTBmNjrexJCfdGQ#/registration

Project summaries can be found at:   https://naaee.org/programs/eeblue/aquaculture-initiative/grantees-2024

2.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352409X25003797

3. NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture report
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/outreach-materials/fact-sheet-us-oyster-aquaculture-market-outlook

5. To tell the truth, I've only started browsing through the part of this resource, but I'm really liking it so far. Have a look and judge for yourselves:

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/news/tools-aquaculture-trade-noaa-releases-new-gear-guide

6. Shad and River Herring Run Data Portal

https://manomet.shinyapps.io/shad-river-herring/

7. Sipayik Environmental Department is seeking an aquatic biologist

https://wabanaki.com/example/personnel_dept/

8. Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator (MARIA) project is releasing its Request for Proposal guidelines for its Algae KickStarter Grant Program.

https://www.bigelow.org/services/maria/index.html

You can find the 2025 MARIA Kickstarter Grant application form here along with further RFP instructions including downloadable budget templates.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-Glnl_jRcOCEVTJpf9GwSs4vVbqCDl7PAPoBISy3Jv2Z49g/viewform

11. Cranberry Oysters

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvDENSyeE/RHS7sW2lFj7fmiy7mgrFLA/view?utm_content=DAGvDENSyeE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h6d2668dbb7

12. Are Private-Label Oysters the Next Seafood Trend?

https://gardenandgun.com/articles/are-private-label-oysters-the-next-seafood-trend/

13. Maine Center for Entrepreneurs and Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center are co-hosting an aquaculture-specific "Pre-Flight" program for aquaculture and aquaculture-adjacent businesses. 

If interested, contact MAIC via their website: maineaquaculture.org

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.

Jordan Kramer's research
https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/fne23-052/?utm_source=SARE+%26+Regions&utm_campaign=08166bcc7b-scallops+and+oysters&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-7f1e9ef86d-647057282

NIFA/AFRI funding, including aquaculture
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-foundational-applied-science?utm_medium=email&utm_program=fy25afrifas&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_topic=foa

Maine Blue Economy Innovation Summit - registration
https://secure.touchnet.com/C22921_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=3430&SINGLESTORE=true

Cultivating the Coast - Harpswell Anchor news series
https://harpswellanchor.org/2025/08/cultivating-the-coast-the-growth-and-growing-pains-of-aquaculture/

Maine Aquaculture Association - job posting
https://maineaqua.org/careers/

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.