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New coalition formed to educate public on Maine’s aquaculture

A new coalition of business, environmental and economic development organizations is launching an education campaign to support the growth of Maine’s aquaculture sector.

Maine Aquaculture Association reports that the Maine Farmed Seafood Coalition plans to help people understand farmed seafood’s contributions to Maine, the strict regulations governing it, and correct misinformation about it.

“Maine’s oceans are changing, putting fishing communities and working waterfronts all along the coast at risk. With aquaculture, Maine can produce local, sustainable, healthy and great-tasting seafood while keeping working waterfronts working, and fishing communities vibrant in a changing world,” said Sebastian Belle, executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association.

The United States imports about 80 percent of the seafood consumed, and over 50 percent of them are farmed seafood. Transporting imported seafood generates a significant carbon footprint.

“Growing seafood in Maine creates local jobs, supports local communities, is closer to local and domestic markets and adds value to Maine’s Gross Domestic Product.  Farmed seafood, also called aquaculture, helps to support and sustain Maine’s overall fishing industry,” said Andrea Cianchette Maker, president of FocusMaine. 

The new coalition, which includes the Maine Aquaculture Association, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), FocusMaine, Island Institute and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), was launched in March at Bangs Island Mussels in Portland. 

“Maine-farmed seafood is high-quality, healthy and sustainably grown under some of the strictest regulations in the world. It’s renowned by chefs and diners for its quality,  it tastes great, and it’s local,” said Nick Branchina of Coastal Enterprises Inc.