Maine Sea Farmer’s News Bulletin

Dana Morse
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NEWS

Timely updates for Maine’s aquaculture community — from dockside to research lab. Hosted by Dana Morse, a seasoned extension professional with Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Sea Farmer’s News Bulletin delivers concise news and updates for those working in aquaculture across the state. Whether you're on the water, in the hatchery, or part of the research and education community, this short-format bulletin keeps you connected to Maine’s dynamic coastal sector.

  1. JAN 16

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - January 16th, 2026

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. 1. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/nylon-aquaculture-nets-found-to-release-five-times-more-microplastics-than-other-materials 2. Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking an oyster hatchery manager. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9a93435d-91d4-4a65-8a21-2de9187df1dd&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=605152&lang=en_US&source=CC2 Contact Tom Noji of OAI at thomasnoji@oceanassoc.com (908-433-8094). 3. https://www.pressherald.com/2025/12/16/bath-joins-program-to-cut-down-food-packaging-waste/ 4. Usefulness of NOAA NCCOS Satellite Imagery Emails for Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring in the Northeast U.S. https://www.flseagrant.org/publication/usefulness-of-noaa-nccos-satellite-imagery-emails-for-harmful-algal-blooms-in-the-northeast-u-s/ 5.  Notes from a presentation on 12/17 by MA DMF Alex Boeri (MA-DMF Aquaculture Specialist) reported that there were 5 Campylobacter outbreaks and 19 illnesses associated with the consumption of oysters this summer, resulting in at least two closures.  Robert Rheault, Executive Director East Coast Shellfish Growers Association 401-783-3360 bob@ECSGA.org 6. EPISODE 3 of Shellebrate!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya0NmtkaOWw 7. New resource document for oyster farmers! https://maineaqua.org/best-management-oyster/ 8. Now Announcing: 2026 Strong Bodies, Strong Minds workshop series The 2026 Strong Bodies, Strong Minds series will focus on building skills such as seamanship and human relations support. https://aquacultureinsharedwaters.org/2024-women-in-aquaculture 9. Development of a soybean wax pickering emulsion for sustainable hydrophobic modification of paper.  https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c06102 Growing Sustainable Barrier Coatings from Edible Fungal Mycelia. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c03185 Single-step coating of cellulose nanofibrils on paper for sustainable food packaging. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-025-06838-8 A laboratory-scale automated vacuum-assisted device for coating of cellulose nanofibrils onto paper. (2025). Tappi.org. https://imisrise.tappi.org/TAPPI/Products/25/NOV/25NOV541.aspx Chemistry and applications of chitin nanocrystals in food packaging industry: A review.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149864

    10 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - December 19th, 2025

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. 1. https://scitechdaily.com/new-tech-slashes-kelp-production-costs-by-a-staggering-85/ 2. The Department of Fisheries, Animal & Veterinary Sciences  invites applications for an academic year (9-month), tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Fish Ecophysiology. Details here: https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16051 3. Maine Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program To receive the latest information directly by email:  https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/subscriber/new?topic_id=MEDACF_36 )  Contact DACF Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director Craig Lapine with questions craig.lapine@maine.gov. 4. https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/aquaculture/coastal-aquaculture-planning-portal-capp/ 5. What's that? EPISODE 2 of Shellebrate! is LIVE?!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW3d0xtGNGQ 6. https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/norway-banned-scallop-harvesting-in-the-barents-sea-responsible-seafood-innovation-award-finalist-ava-ocean-delivered-a-tech-solution/ 8. Registration: https://umaine-extension.formtitan.com/ftproject/events?eventid=a1cUy0000047jqv Important Note: A physical copy of Fish and Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance, 4th Edition (June 2022) is required in class. Digital versions will not be permitted. Purchase link: https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1111-fish-and-fishery-products-hazards-and-controls-guidance-fda-hazards-guide-4th-edition.aspx 10. Madeleine point oyster Farms is selling their refrigerated Mercedes sprinter van. Feel free to call Nate Henninger at 207-318-2526. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1343431547525705/?mibextid=6ojiHh ------------------ 11. Northeast SARE is seeking grant proposal reviewers with aquaculture experience – including farmers, researchers, service providers and more! https://www.sare.org/wp-content/uploads/Information-for-Prospective-Technical-Committee-Members.pdf

    10 min

  3. 12/04/2025

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - December 4th, 2025

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. 1. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in applied aquaculture and/or fish health at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/458278 2. Want to sell Oyster Cages / Moorings gear etc?:  Please contact Nathaniel at: nate@mainemollusks.com 3. ST. PAUL and DULUTH, MINN. Seeking a motivated student interested in pursuing a master's degree to work with our Minnesota Sea Grant Fisheries and Aquaculture Program team in St. Paul as a graduate student in the University of Minnesota Conservation Sciences Graduate Program. Application deadline: Priority review of applications will begin 12/15/2025 and continue until the position is filled. Questions? Contact Amy Schrank: aschrank@umn.edu.  4. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is seeking an experienced professional in marine fisheries topics for the position of Marine Fisheries Extension Specialist.  https://www.scseagrant.org/marine-fisheries-extension-specialist/ 5. Northeast SARE Calls for Large Grant Proposals $6.9M in Funding Available Across Four Grant Programs   Q&A: https://northeast.sare.org/news/2026-large-grant-question-and-answer-sessions/ Registration is available at northeast.sare.org/largegrantqa  6. Funding Opportunity NIFA Extends Deadlines for AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agriculture-food-research-initiative/afri-deadlines?utm_medium=email&utm_program=fy26caprfps&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_topic=foa 7. Host farm applications are officially OPEN! Host farm applications are now open for the upcoming 2025 season!  You can apply here: https://airtable.com/appMh58jQPYiUofY9/pagHwPm5kktkgbPXR/form 8. Professional Aquaculture Training WHAT: Professional Aquaculture Training: Beyond the Basics for Businesses and Practitioners WHEN: Tuesday, January 20–Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6-8PM (no class 2/17, 3/24, or 4/21) WHERE: University of Rhode Island Bay Campus/Virtual COST: $250* If you HAVE NOT filled out the interest form, please do so here PRIOR to registering: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmvFogFvcxrOlT6q_pRBz7x2OusDIJQRTFruaktlX4NDDbSQ/viewform Registration: https://engage.uri.edu/catalog?pagename=Rhode-Island-Sea-Grant

    10 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - November 10th, 2025

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. 1. The Northeast SARE Farmer Grant View the call: https://northeast.sare.org/FarmerGrantCall Register for Q&A Sessions: https://northeast.sare.org/FarmerGrantQA Request Technical Assistance: https://northeast.sare.org/TAPRequest 2. Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) Survey Take the survey: bit.ly/3Jfx8DK  3. IT'S HERE! Video 1 of the Shell-ebrate! Bivalve Aquaculture educational video series is now online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B54f1tgo5Jc 4. Work skiff for sale.. 19’ Carolina skiff V-series.  New mercury 75hp engine.  Center console with trailer.  Contact colleen at summitpointseafood@yahoo.com 5. Professional Aquaculture Training   Registration is $250 and is open December 1, 2025–January 10, 2026. *Need-based scholarships are available. Direct registration questions to Rob Hudson at rhudson@uri.edu.  If you HAVE NOT filled out the interest form, please PRIOR to registering. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmvFogFvcxrOlT6q_pRBz7x2OusDIJQRTFruaktlX4NDDbSQ/viewform 6. Greetings!  OAI is hiring a manager to lead the production of Crassostrea virginica at the NOAA/USDA Northeast Oyster Breeding Center’s hatchery in Milford, CT.   https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9a93435d-91d4-4a65-8a21-2de9187df1dd&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=605152&lang=en_US&source=CC2

    10 min

  5. 10/29/2025

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - October 2nd, 2025

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. Friends of Aomori: https://maine-aomori.org/about/friendsofaomori/ Maine-Aomori Sister State Advisory Council: https://maine-aomori.org/about/massac/ 1. Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF)  https://www.maine.gov/dot/about/funding/grants 2. The Island Creek Oysters Hatchery (Duxbury, MA) is hiring for the 2026 season. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0079/8462/files/Hatchery_Technician_10.2025.pdf?v=1759339741 https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0079/8462/files/Algae_Technician_10.2025.pdf?v=1759339741 4. Cherrystone Aqua-Farms (Cape Charles, VA and Willis Wharf, VA) is hiring Hatchery Technicians for its clam and oyster hatcheries to help spawn and care for billions of bivalve babies!  See attached .pdf for full job description. Please e-mail hatcheryjobs@clamandoyster.com to express interest. 5. Seagrass Summit, a gathering of eelgrass enthusiasts to share information, brainstorm ideas, and connect with one another. Sign up: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=7f0f4fb8-d2e0-40f1-9004-09d0b52e5f88&envId=p-cVpSiEUouEmxCY_nzIPfIw&zone=usa 6. Early bird rate is good through December 5th. https://www.northeastaquaculture.org/hotel-and-venue-2/ 7.  2026 Maine Fishermen's Forum call for seminars is now open.  Find details at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2aFm_SPGwReam8KweOr62nLg8KTEBID1vygc4M54BuRmhHQ/viewform

    7 min

  6. 10/02/2025

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - October 2nd, 2025

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. 2. Join the University of Maryland Extension and R&K Partners for an engaging webinar to learn how your aquaculture business could take advantage of this opportunity   The Webinar is Wed Nov 5th at 7pm ET and will be recorded and distributed later online.  There is a limit of 75 attendees to the webinar.  You will be emailed a zoom link after you complete the registration form. https://forms.gle/pUHke6Y8ovkEygnh6 3. Sam May has joined the Center for Aquaculture Technologies (CAT) as the new Genetic Services Lead for the U.S. and Canada.  Learn more about CAT’s breeding services: https://aquatechcenter.com/services/breeding/   4. Maine Shellfish Restoration Community of Practice This is an open invitation to anyone interested in learning about or discussing shellfish restoration. We meet quarterly over zoom and our next meeting is October 15 from 1 – 2:30 pm.  Contact Helena Tatgenhorst (h.tatgenhorst@tnc.org) for the meeting invite. 6. $1000 or best offer. Can be seen at: 1803 Harpswell Island Rd , Orrs Island, ME Jay McGowen 321-213-1146 7. Derek E. Smith 207-443-5221 8. Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation – we are excited to announce another voluntary trap disposal event at the Portland Fish Exchange on October 6th-7th.  Please register for the event here so we can make sure to have a time-slot ready for your unloading of gear for recycling, reuse and disposal: https://forms.gle/6fXQL5DzfbALeLYr8 If you are or know an artist interested in utilizing gear please reach out to me directly at emma@gomlf.org or via phone at (207) 669 – 2814. (207) 669 - 2814 9. I am inviting current and former commercial kelp farmers to take part in a confidential research study. The goal of this study is to better understand what motivates people to become kelp farmers, how farming affects their well-being, and what factors influence decisions to stay in—or leave—the industry. If you are interested—or if you would like more details—please contact me at apconcepcion@uri.edu or 401-965-1075. Feel free to share this invitation with other kelp farmers who may also wish to participate. Anoushka Concepcion PhD Candidate, Department of Marine Affairs University of Rhode Island

    11 min

  7. 09/19/2025

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - September 19, 2025

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. 1. Seaweed Cooking Course - info@seaweedexchange.com https://andrea1037.typeform.com/to/Xst52jAP 2. www.mainebiz.biz/article/gear-for-growing-scallops-is-harvesting-shellfish-and-awards 3. https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/lne23-479r/?utm_source=SARE+%26+Regions&utm_campaign=e932b29610-Mycelium+in+Aquaculture&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-7f1e9ef86d-647057282 4. Maine Blue Economy Summit details are here: https://marine.umaine.edu/events-listings/2025-maine-blue-economy-innovation-summit/ 5. To learn more about the MITC STEP program: https://www.mitc.com/business-support/funding/step-financial-assist-awards/ 6. To learn more about the Program Development funding opportunity, go to: https://seagrant.umaine.edu/funding-opportunities/program-development/ 8. NSA Annual Meeting - https://shellfish.memberclicks.net/annual-meeting---program REGISTER NOW: Early-bird rate expires January 16, 2026 Abstract Deadline is December 15th - SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT NOW 9.

    8 min

  8. 08/29/2025

    Maine Sea Farmer's News Bulletin - August 29, 2025

    Hosted by Dana Morse, longtime Extension Agent for Maine’s aquaculture community, this bulletin-style podcast shares timely news, updates, and practical insights from the working coast. Broadcasting from UMaine’s Darling Marine Center, Dana connects science, local knowledge, and on-the-water experience to support sea farmers, researchers, and coastal professionals across the state. 1. Extension and Maine Business School offer day-long business strategy and resilience workshops  Contact: Jason Entsminger, 207.581.1999 3. Another Washington County educational, aquaculture event in Eastport sponsored by Cooke USA, MAIC, MCE, and Sunrise County Economic Council with funding for the initiative provided by Maine Technology Institute and Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Emily Lane   Seafood and Aquaculture Specialist Maine Center for Entrepreneurs Phone:  207.208.9213.       www.mced.biz 4. Items Sale Elliot Arons Hatchet Cove Oysters Friendship 917-862-6243 5. Ocean Exchange, a nonprofit that supports student entrepreneurs developing impactful solutions in sustainability, ocean innovation, and climate tech. Apply now for a chance to win one of three $10,000 non-dilutive grants through the Ocean Exchange Collegiate Awards. Applications are short, the competition is exciting, and the deadline is September 17, 2025. Apply here: https://www.oceanexchange.org/register/ 6. https://www.aquaculturenorthamerica.com/bipartisan-bill-introduced-to-advance-open-ocean-aquaculture/ 7. Join us on October 24th for the 2025 Blue Economy Investment Summit! The third annual Blue Economy Investment Summit will bring together leading investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders from around the world to Maine. https://gmri.org/projects/blue-economy-investment-summit/

    9 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Timely updates for Maine’s aquaculture community — from dockside to research lab. Hosted by Dana Morse, a seasoned extension professional with Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Sea Farmer’s News Bulletin delivers concise news and updates for those working in aquaculture across the state. Whether you're on the water, in the hatchery, or part of the research and education community, this short-format bulletin keeps you connected to Maine’s dynamic coastal sector.

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