Salty talks: Conversations on Sustainable Aquaculture in Maine

Fresh seafood often gets the spotlight, but what happens after the catch can be just as important. In this episode of Salty Talks , we explore how entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders are reimagining seafood through innovative processing, product development and value-added technologies. From smoked oysters and fish sauce made from byproducts to high-pressure processing, food safety and...

At 23 years old, Michael Scannell has already gone from commercial lobstering to managing an oyster farm, launching his own scallop operation, speaking in Washington DC about workforce development, and traveling to Japan to study scallop aquaculture. In this episode of Salty Talks, Michael shares how apprenticeship programs introduced him to aquaculture, why exposure and access matter for rural st...

Vaccines are a familiar part of human health. But in aquaculture, they play a quieter, often misunderstood role. In this episode of Salty Talks, we explore how vaccines are used in fish farming and why they matter long before an outbreak ever occurs. Through a panel discussion featuring researchers, veterinarians, and industry experts, we look at how aquaculture approaches disease prevention, and...

How do scientists communicate complex ideas in a world shaped by social media, misinformation, and short attention spans? In this episode, Salty Talks explores the importance of science communication through a panel discussion featuring aquaculture farmers, science communicators, researchers, and educators. The conversation highlights how storytelling, visual communication, education, and emerging...

In this episode of Salty Talks , Daniel Delap shares how his research at the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute, developing fish vaccines and culturing salmon gill cells, helped launch him into veterinary school. We talk fish health, disease research, and how aquaculture experience can open unexpected doors in animal medicine.

What does it take to build a thriving aquaculture industry along one of the most rugged coastlines in the country? In this episode of Salty Talks , we delve into the evolution of aquaculture in Maine with marine scientist Dr. Damian Brady, exploring everything from salmon pens and oyster farms to kelp lines and satellite data. But Damian doesn’t just study aquaculture, he helps train the people wh...

In this episode, we head to the Darling Marine Center on the coast of Maine to experience the first-ever Aquaculture Boot Camp —an intensive training program designed to equip the next generation of aquaculture farmers and professionals with hands-on maritime skills. Offered by the Maine Aquaculture Hub in partnership with aquaculture in shared waters, and funded in part by congressional support t...

Aquaculture has become a cornerstone of Maine’s working waterfront, but it wasn’t always that way. In this episode, we dive into the origins of Maine’s aquaculture industry, tracing its evolution from a handful of experimental leases in the 1970s to a $157 million industry today. We explore how early pioneers tested the waters, the role of research institutions like the Darling Marine Center, and...

In this episode, we delve into the unique experiences of the ARI’s 2024 Aqueous fellows, who blend Indigenous knowledge systems with Western scientific methods to explore innovative solutions in aquaculture. Hosted by Inclusive Science Communications Fellow Rida Ali, this episode features insightful conversations with fellows working on diverse projects such as oyster aquaculture, salmon restorati...

In this special episode, we take you to the World Aquaculture Society Conference, held in San Antonio. Listen to our panel session as we explore the cutting-edge endeavors of the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI). From sustainable feeds to disease management and vaccine development, ARI's team of experts share their insights in making aquaculture a beacon of sustainability. Discover how interdi...

This episode of Salty Talks delves into the world of Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Join us for a discussion with Dr. Heather Hamlin and her graduate student, Halli Bear. This episode offers an in-depth exploration of their groundbreaking research, focusing on developing innovative predictive metrics for salmon broodstock and offspring quality. Discover how Dr. Hamlin's journey, from working in a pe...

In this episode of Salty Talks, we embark on a voyage to Hurricane Island, a hub of marine science and leadership located 12 miles off the coast of Maine. Join in as four remarkable women who have shaped and been shaped by their experiences at Hurricane Island share their personal journeys, revealing how this unique island has fostered community-driven science, leadership, and particularly, the em...

In this episode, we delve into the world of blister worms and their impact on aquaculture. Join us as we explore the life of these marine polychaetes with Dr. Paul Rawson, whose research at the University of Maine is shedding light on the challenges these creatures pose to the shellfish industry. From historical accounts dating back to the 1700s to cutting-edge techniques like cold storage, we nav...

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of an experimental aquaculture farm at the Darling Marine Center and the ARI researchers dedicated to advancing the industry. We discuss how this farm serves as both a research facility and an educational tool, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities within sustainable marine cultivation. Through the perspectives of Chris Noren, Adam S...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of aquaculture with a focus on 'Building Bridges'. Kingfish Maine has not only been at the forefront of sustainable fish farming but also an exemplar in nurturing community bonds in the heart of Jonesport. Unravel the journey of how Kingfish Maine prioritizes community engagement, paving a path for trust and mutual growth in the aquaculture landscape. F...

In this episode, we venture into the world of aquaculture with two trailblazing women who are creating change in the industry. Join us as Amanda and Taja, both Ph. D. students and oyster farmers, share their varied experiences navigating a sector traditionally dominated by men. From finding role models who resonate with their journey to fostering connections with minority groups in the field, thes...

In this episode, we venture into the heart of Maine's marine ecosystems to explore innovative approaches to mitigating ocean acidification (OA) through synergistic farming of kelp and mussels. Join me as I sit down with Susie, a seasoned expert in the field, to dissect the intricacies of this initiative. We delve deep into the unique characteristics of Maine's coastal waters and how the cultivatio...

In this episode of Salty Talks, we're joined by renowned seafood expert, Barton Seaver. From the rocky shores of Maine to our dining tables, Seaver navigates the intricate tapestry of Maine's aquaculture scene, emphasizing its pivotal role in promoting sustainable seafood. He bridges the gap between the world of aquaculture and our everyday seafood choices, encouraging listeners to deepen their co...

In this special episode of Salty Talks, our dedicated communications intern, Jules, takes us on a deep dive into the Aquaculture Research Institutes (ARI) externship program in Maine. This isn’t just talk; it's their final project. Listen in to uncover the significance of hands-on workforce development in Maine’s aquaculture sector and hear the story of how experiential learning can shape careers....

In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted aspects that influence how the public forms opinions about aquaculture. We explore how media plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions from the portrayal of aquaculture in news outlets. Moreover, we investigate the information-gathering process of individuals, analyzing how the sources they rely on can impact their understanding of aquaculture prac...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fish feed and its crucial role in sustainable aquaculture. Tim Harder from Skretting joins us to shed light on the innovations taking place in the realm of fish feed ingredients. We explore the significance of sustainable aquaculture and why understanding fish feed is a key player in achieving it. Tim shares insights, highlighting how Skretting and o...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of aquaculture and the importance of representation within the industry. Libby, the owner of Lady Shuckers, a mobile raw bar company based in Portland, ME, shares her journey and sheds light on the power of diversity and visibility in aquaculture. Libby shares the story behind the business and how they source Maine oysters directly from a network...

In this episode of Salty Talks, Scarlett Tudor, from the Center of Cooperative Aquaculture Research in Franklin, ME dives into the critical topic of workforce development in Maine's aquaculture sector. Scarlett emphasizes the significance of investing in the next generation and nurturing their potential from an early age. The discussion highlights various initiatives designed to train and empower...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Steve Eddy and Luz Kogson from the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR) in Franklin, ME as they dive into the captivating world of sea urchin aquaculture. In this episode, we explore the growth stages of sea urchins, their rich history in Maine, the culinary delights they offer, and the exciting ongoing projects at CCAR. Discover the remarkab...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Chris Burtis, owner of Ferda Farms on the New Meadows River in Brunswick, ME. Chris shared his insights on the importance of community engagement ad social license to operate in sustainable aquaculture. Throughout the conversation, Chris shared stories from his experience as an oyster farmer, highlighting the many benefits that come from cultiv...