MAIC Research Archive

A survey of Maine salmonid farms found that 88% of sites had sea lice, though most operators did not consider it a major problem. Caligus elongatus accounted for 99.87% of lice observed. Mean lice counts increased significantly over time, while data on production and management practices were often unreliable. The document also includes figures illustrating life stages of the sea louse attached to Atlantic salmon fins.

This study investigated four diseases affecting Maine bivalves in 1993. MSX was absent in oysters, while Juvenile Oyster Mortality was inversely related to spat size. Bonamiasis was detected in Ostrea edulis, and neoplasia prevalence in soft-shell clams ranged from 0–42.9%, peaking in Whiting Bay.

A monitoring program in the Damariscotta River showed that Juvenile Oyster Disease mortality was strongly inversely related to oyster size. Smaller cohorts experienced significantly higher mortality rates, while larger oysters had improved survival. The findings suggest growers can reduce losses by maximizing seed size before mid-July or deploying seed after mid-August.

A pathological testing program confirmed the presence of MSX in Damariscotta River oysters at a low prevalence of 2.4% in 1990. The disease did not appear to pose a major epizootic threat, likely due to cold winter temperatures. The study also documented fungal shell disease and hematopoietic neoplasia in oysters.

This project developed a protocol to deodorize anaerobically-treated fish waste using phosphoric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The treatment reduced odor, stabilized the product, and created potential opportunities for use as a liquid garden fertilizer.

This report details the implementation of a chemical process to deodorize Biotherm-treated fish waste, transforming it into a more marketable product. The process combined phosphoric acid, hydrogen peroxide oxidation, and optional citrus oil additives to improve odor and usability.

This two-year study explored surf clam aquaculture methods in the Damariscotta River. Results suggested a viable two-year production cycle beginning with 3 mm seed grown in floating trays before protected planting. Predation by crabs was identified as a major challenge at all growth stages.

This study focused on optimizing feeding and nutrition for Atlantic cod and haddock larvae. Researchers identified improved rotifer enrichment strategies and demonstrated that early weaning onto microparticulate diets was possible, though Artemia feeding still produced better larval growth outcomes.