Maine Farmer Resource Network

Aquaculture is the farming of plants and animals in fresh or marine waters, and incorporates a wide range of activities and species. The cultivation of aquatic organisms can be done in sea or on land, and can include single or multi-species cropping. While some types of aquaculture have been around for millennia, today the industry is the fastest growing food production sector in the world. Maine’s marine aquaculture industry produces salmon, cod, oysters, mussels, clams, kelp, and ornamentals, and is developing technology for sea urchins, halibut, sandworms, and other valuable marine organisms. Maine’s freshwater aquaculture industry produces several types of baitfish, salmonoids, and tilapia, both for commercial productions and for restocking our natural waterways. The state has many resources for water farmers, and our state aquaculture Extension educators are available to answer any questions for new or potential aquafarmers.