September 19, 2019 — The University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute has been selected to receive a $123,735 workforce development grant.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant will fund a pilot project creating an aquaculture certificate program, which will be open to all applicants with at least a high school degree, according to a news release. The grant is administered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
UMaine’s project, “Aquaculture Workforce Development: Certificate in Applied Sustainable Aquaculture,” is designed to address aquaculture industry workforce needs in Maine by facilitating alternative career opportunities for traditional fishing communities.
The project also will incorporate the institute’s internship program, which pilots new internship models to meet hiring needs through industry and academic partnerships.