Getting Started in Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture

While the lobster fishery continues to be an economic boon on the coast of Maine, warming waters create an uncertain future. By diversifying into kelp and shellfish aquaculture, coastal residents can add an income stream and keep our islands and remote towns viable places to live and work even if lobsters become less prominent in the future. Existing fishermen are especially predisposed to start small aquaculture businesses, as they already have boats and some of the needed gear and business knowledge.
The Island Institute's first group of prospective aquaculturists, interviewed here, began their journey in early 2016 as part of the inaugural Aquaculture Business Development Program. Less than a year later, more than half of the twenty members have already started kelp, mussel, and oyster operations, or are close to launching their new businesses.
Video produced by Scott Sell for Island Institute // www.islandinstitute.org

[@daviskoier6853]

Maine is so fortunate to have the research available from the Island Inststitute to make these projects feasible. Maine is becoming a destination for great farmed shellfish. A seafood and beer lovers paradise.

[@ishratjamilalig]

Can u help me out to start 8t in india [e-mail]

[@ishratjamilalig]

Specially in sweet water villages ponds

[@BubbleTec]

Nature friendly aquaculture is a very good way. Thanks for the good info.

[@robertcalamusso4218]

Great Folks ~ all around. Gang bustas ! Love it.

[@JamesMoreau]

Such a great story! Want to see more of this!

[@nguyenluong4534]

yesss

[@ericbailey4457]

If someone is interested in farming kelp in Florida. Where can they get fresh kelp to germinate?

[@douglashofsiss2435]

how about clams i live in Florida on the intercoastel

[@nesiansides7133]

starting oyster farming of 27 acres I own 7 acres and operating the rest, you guys got any tips? be great.

[@islandinstitute]

Great to hear! We do have some resources that might help. Check out our solutions library. www.islandinstitute.org/ii-solution/basket-islands-out-of-state-marketing/ www.islandinstitute.org/ii-solution/community-relations-chebeague-island-oyster-co/

[@BarbarianUtopia]

The concern I have is that, unlike Maine commercial fishing licenses, standard aquaculture leases are transferable. These industries can be consolidated, as we've seen in the salmon aquaculture industry, which now belongs to one foreign company. With the Department of Energy funding research for economy of scale kelp farming for chemical and biofuel production, I am concerned that many small producers will be priced out of the market, as happened with salmon.

[@ebsell]

BarbarianUtopia entirely possible. We have farms here on PEI that have gone for $1,000,000 for 12 acre farm with 1600 6 bag oystergro cages. Still private growers buying so far. But with an annual income off a farm like that being about $250,000 Canadian its still a good deal.

[@antoninorex5857]

I have a sole proprietor business license. How can i get started in Kelp Farming where i live???

[@islandinstitute]

Thank you for your question. If you'd like to get in touch with us or discuss resources for kelp farming, please email [e-mail]