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