Articles
Maine oyster growers face challenges, opportunities in equal measure
Oyster growers along the Damariscotta River, who have been in the industry longer than any other oyster farmers in the state, see many opportunities to grow in the future. But they recognize that the road won’t be smooth and presents several identifiable challenges. One of the interesting opportunities, says Bill Mook, owner of Mook Sea
The Winding Road to Oyster Aquaculture
SAM CHAPMAN, who raises oysters besides owning a shad hatchery with his family in Waldoboro, majored in geology at the University of Maine in the late 1960s and helped out at the Darling Center. One day in 1972 (after a stint in the military), he decided to take a look at the new aquaculture facility
Oyster farming thrives on the Damariscotta River
In the past five years, the number of people raising oysters in Maine has more than doubled, and the industry is still growing. This never could have happened, say several growers who have had oyster farms in the Damariscotta River since the early 1980s, without Dr. Herbert Hidu and the tenacity of the people who
The Edward Myers Connection
Over the years, several Damariscotta River growers who worked with Dr. Hidu at the Darling Center while completing their degrees at University of Maine at Orono received ongoing support and guidance from the late Ed Myers. Sam Chapman says Myers became aware of mussel aquaculture through the work of Richard Lutz and Hidu at the
One family’s commitment enhances Maine’s shad population
When the Waldoboro Shad Hatchery is up and running, the atmosphere in the growout room resembles a hospital intensive care unit. There’s a hum, bubble, click and whir as pipes, tubes and electrical wires that crisscross the room deliver power, nutrients, water and oxygen and remove waste from six 600-gallon tanks. But unlike a modern
Penobscot Marine Museum celebrates “Lobstah” and the maritime past
This summer, the Penobscot Marine Museum, located in Searsport, celebrates the “LOBSTAH.” Exhibits conceived by curator Ben Fuller, who came to the museum a year and a half ago after working many years as head curator at the Mystic Seaport Museum, include artwork with a thematic connection to lobsters and lobster fishing, lobsterboat racing, the
Access:Fishermen’s joint venture succeeds
It’s been a good first year for the lobstermen of North End Co-op, whose members got together to protect their access to the Sheepscot River. In September, 2002, with help from the Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Waterfront Property Loan Program, the co-op bought property on the Sheepscot River on the north end of Westport Island. “We’re
“Filled with Possibilities:”Sebastian Belle looks back at three years with the Maine Aquaculture Association
For Maine’s fishermen, spring is traditionally a time of optimism: traps and nets to be readied, boats to prep and launch, anticipation of perhaps a better year than last. It’s the same, says Sebastian Belle, director of the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA), for Maine’s aquaculture operations, which are a growing part of the working waterfront.
Grow Your OwnOyster gardeners apply home-brew principles
For the past three months, groups of citizens in Damariscotta and Blue Hill have been learning more than they ever thought they would want to know about oyster aquaculture. Taught by Chris Davis, a teacher at University of Maine at Orono and co-owner of Pemaquid Oyster, they’ve covered topics including shellfish biology, shellfish culture and
Shellfish Farm Agreement Breaks New Ground
In the past, applicants for shellfish aquaculture leases have worked hard to communicate with riparian landowners and address their concerns, making changes to their plans either prior to or during the public hearing held by the state. In March, Babe and Shain Stanley carried the process a step further by signing a legal agreement with