RESEARCH

Research Development & Education Climate Report

Understanding the climate impacts on Maine's aquaculture sector

Surveys and interviews conducted in 2024 captured voices from across the state's aquaculture ecosystem, including growers, researchers, industry service providers, educators and government representatives, providing insight into the practical and policy level needs of the industry. This report represents a comprehensive effort to understand how Maine's aquaculture community is being impacted by and responding to changing environmental conditions and informs research, development and education priorities for sector resilience.

Project Partners

2025 Maine Aquaculture Research Development & Education Report

Complete

Gloved hand holding farmed oysters on a boat

Summary: During the summer and fall of 2024, MAIC, in partnership with the ARI, conducted its biennial industry survey to identify priority areas for research, development, and education. In response to back-to-back extreme weather events in January of 2024, this survey was adapted to focus on climate change impacts, adaptations, and research and development needs.  

Methods: Qualtrics survey distributed to aquaculture stakeholder groups. Survey questions designed based on scoping interviews with aquaculture farmers. 

Lead Researcher: Emily Whitmore, Ph.D.

Project Status

Project design

Data collection

Prelim drafting

Farmer input

Final drafting

Final report

PRoject outputs

RD&E Report

Executive Summary