August 7, 2014 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:
The Maine Department of Marine Resources will hold two public information meetings on aquaculture in Maine’s coastal waters.
The meetings will be held August 20 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Log Cabin at 196 Main Street in Yarmouth and August 28 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Newcastle Fire Department at 86 River Road in Newcastle.
The purpose of the meetings will be to bring together aquaculture experts and the public for information sharing and dialogue.
“The aquaculture industry is a growing part of Maine’s working waterfront and its coastal economy” said DMR Policy Development Specialist Chris Vonderweidt. “So we decided to hold these meetings in areas with noteworthy aquaculture activity.”
According to DMR harvest reports, the Damariscotta River accounts for approximately 40 percent of the American oysters grown in Maine. “We’re hoping the Yarmouth location will draw people interested in the variety of products being farmed in the Casco Bay area, which include mussels, kelp, oysters, and scallops,” said Vonderweidt.
The sessions will begin with brief presentations followed by a question and answer period.
Sebastian Belle, Executive Director of the Maine Aquaculture Association will begin the presentations with an overview of the industry. Dana Morse of the University of the Maine Sea Grant Program will highlight current and emerging species and growing techniques. Sarah Gladu, Education Director of the Damariscotta River Association will discuss aquaculture on the Damariscotta River from the perspective of a community supported conservation organization.
A diverse panel of sea farmers will join the presenters during the question and answer period. They will include kelp farmer Tollef Olsen of Ocean Approved, mussel farmer Matt Moretti of Bangs Island Mussels, and oyster farmer Jeff “Smokey” McKeen of the Pemaquid Oyster Company.
“These sessions will also provide an opportunity for people who are interested in locally grown and harvested seafood to connect with the farmers who grow the products,” said Vonderweidt.
For more information on the meetings, contact Chris Vonderweidt at 624-6558.