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Research priorities
Maine Sea Grant, Shellfish Aquaculture Research Priorities
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Index of shellfish aquaculture research priorities
Priority 1 - Production Techniques [Non-Industry #2]
Priority 2 - Public Relations [Non-Industry #1]
Priority 3 - Shellfish Health [Non-Industry #6]
Priority 4 - Marketing [Non-Industry #8]
Priority 5 - Leasing Issues [Non-Industry #5]
Priority 6 - Aquaculture and the Environment, Sustainable Aquaculture [Non-Industry #3]
Priority 7 - Coastal Development [Non-Industry #10]
Priority 8 - New Species [Non-Industry #11]
Priority 9 - Genetics and Broodstock Development [Non-Industry #13]
Priority 10 - Industry Communications [Non-Industry #12]
Priority 11 - Government Relations and Initiatives [Non-Industry #9]
Priority 12 - Funding [Non-Industry #7]
Priority 13 - Student and Work Force Education [Non-Industry #4]
Click on any of the priorities above for a full description.
You can return to the top of the page by clicking on the title bar of any research priority.
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General Description
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Maine Sea Grant
Operating under the guidelines of, and in partnership with, the National Sea Grant Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the mission of Maine Sea Grant is to play a leadership role in marine science and education and to promote their use for the development, management, and stewardship of marine and coastal resources.
For more information on Maine Sea Grant, click here.
Setting a Research Agenda for Shellfish
Maine Sea Grant extension staff members were involved in organizing, facilitating, and documenting a January 2000 meeting of shellfish aquaculturists, researchers, and agency members to discuss the data gaps and research needs for shellfish aquaculture in Maine. The meeting was sponsored by Sea Grant, the Maine Aquaculture Association, and the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Approximately 40 people attended the meeting which resulted in the 20-page document on "Priorities for Maine Shellfish Growers: Research and Other Needs." This document serves as a rationale for RFPs and grant development related to shellfish aquaculture.
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Priority 1 - Production Techniques [Non-Industry #2]
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Goal
Improve existing methods, strategies, and equipment; and develop new equipment and approaches to increase efficiency of profitability of Maine's shellfish growers.
Rationale
Recent advances in shellfish aquaculture have enabled growers to be more efficient, to succeed in a wider variety of sites, and to enjoy higher profitability. Further advancements are desired, especially those providing a competitive edge to Maine growers. Appropriate research infrastructure, a strong track record of industry/research collaboration, and the availability of financial support all help place the Maine industry in a position to make significant inroads towards increasing shellfish growth rates, reducing mortality, and reducing costs.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Develop more efficient and effective upwellers, increase effectiveness of biofouling control (including biofouling control in upwellers), develop alternate growout gear and husbandry strategies.
- Continue development and technology transfer of optimal microalgal feeds, and optimal microalgal production processes for hatchery use.
- Develop/investigate in situ aeration units for salt water which satisfy noise and other issues, while preventing shellfish losses from oxygen depletion.
- Increase understanding of the potential for effectively collecting wild seed; and of the optimal size, condition, and time of year for planting seed for such species as blue mussels, soft-shell clams, oysters, and sea scallops.
- Develop better economic data regarding influence of husbandry practices on overall production costs.
- Examine benefits/liabilities of ocean ocean vs nearshore shellfish culture, particularly for blue mussels and sea scallops.
- Investigate potential for "clam pounding" (holding of shellfish for marketing).
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Priority 2 - Public Relations [Non-Industry #1]
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Goal
Increase the acceptance of aquaculture and improve support by the general public and users of marine resources.
Rationale
Aquaculture is a fairly new industry in Maine. The public has many concerns regarding conflicting uses and impacts, and these concerns must be addressed.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Develop public relations protocols so that industry speaks with one voice.
- Develop and implement programs to educate the public about aquaculture.
- Utilize existing educational curricula and provide support for K-12 field trips to aquaculture facilities.
- Develop procedures or forums for resolving conflicts between user groups.
- Develop recommendations and guidelines for industry use in working with community members, focusing on pre-lease application efforts.
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Priority 3 - Shellfish Health [Non-Industry #6]
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Goal
Develop a comprehensive shellfish health program that will incorporate strategies for disease diagnostics, disease management, and broodstock selection.
Rationale
Recent events have shown that oyster diseases Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) and Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) are advancing northward. In addition, Maine has suffered oyster losses due to difficulties with Juvenile Oyster Disease. Research has largely focused on diagnostics and causation. Industry has recognized that such research also needs to be applied to the commercial realm, and that disease management may be increasingly important. Further, broodstock selection may be important in management strategies for working with disease issues.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Develop rapid-response tests which are readily employable by the grower, and develop surveillance programs for early detection of disease outbreaks.
- Investigate disease mitigation options that are more environmentally friendly that theraputants which may have potential negative impacts.
- Examine and develop disease-resistant stocks, and develop cold-water, fast-growing strains, perhaps including strains developed in other regions. Monitoring program similar to initiative 1.
- Develop and implement management practices for transfers of live shellfish which will limit the spread of invasive species.
- Promote protocols that ensure good animal health in the hatchery.
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Priority 4 - Marketing [Non-Industry #8]
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Goal
Greater recognition of Maine-grown shellfish as superior products in the marketplace, and an improved view of cultured shellfish.
Rationale
Marketing is critical in shellfish culture where products must receive premium prices to maintain profitability for the grower. Maine shellfish products are currently well received by wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, but few efforts have been made to distinguish cultured Maine products from competitors. Similarly, Maine shellfish growers would benefit from more detailed information about the marketplace, especially as production increases statewide.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Develop a "Grown in Maine" product identity for cultured shellfish, as well as organic labeling standards for use in the industry.
- Increase marketing which focuses on cultured products specifically and which will increase awareness and acceptance of cultured products.
- Investigate the potential for development of an industry product promotion council to take on the tasks outlined in both initiatives above.
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Priority 5 - Leasing Issues [Non-Industry #5]
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Goal
Continue efforts to make the leasing process effective, simple, and equitable, recognizing the need for co-existence with other marine constituents while helping the industry grow and advance.
Rationale
Although the process for securing shellfish leases in state waters has improved recently with experimental permits, a streamlined permit process, and significant effort in the "permit by rule" direction problems and issues still exist. These issues will likely change with changing public sentiment and understanding, and with changing issues between competing user groups. A major impediment is public understanding and support for shellfish aquaculture, resulting in an overly contentious permit process. Education, free flow of information, ecological science, and facilitated discussions are among the tools viewed as useful in resolving these issues.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Increase scientific support for leaseholders, such as development of monitoring programs and collection of environmental data.
- Reduce barriers to leasing by reducing intervenor concerns. Create opportunities for constructive dialogue between applicants and intervenors, and support applicants in developing positive relationships with other stakeholders.
- Restructure leasing procedure to become less cumbersome and more responsive.
- Address and investigate the limited number of nursery sites in the state.
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Priority 6 - Aquaculture and the Environment, Sustainable Aquaculture [Non-Industry #3]
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Goal
Increase understanding of the effects of shellfish aquaculture on the environment, and of how environmental conditions affect shellfish growth, survival, and distribution.
Rationale
The two-way interactions between the environment and cultured shellfish are of great importance to culturists, fishermen, environmentalists, resource managers, and interested individuals. To fully understand these interactions will require long-term scientific study, with collaboration by industry and others.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Improve relations with environmental groups by engaging them in discussions on the pertinent issues, including the identification of negative environmental impacts, to develop mitigation strategies.
- Assist in the development, adoption, and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the industry.
- Support efforts to link shellfish growers with resources, programs, and agencies (e.g.: DMR, Shore Stewards Program) concerned with water quality, including Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
- Develop a database of environmental parameters (D.O., pH, temp, etc.) to support industry-driven documentation of effects of aquaculture on the environment (see first initiative, this section).
- Support research to identify interactions between aquaculture operations and submerged aquaculture vegetation (SAV).
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Priority 7 - Coastal Development [Non-Industry #10]
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Goal
A social and regulatory environment which supports and values a healthy marine industry along the Maine coast, thereby retaining the traditional economic livelihood and culture of the region.
Rationale
The continued influx of individuals along the Maine coastline has sharpened the issue of how to retain Maine's working waterfronts. Traditional users of the waterfront are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain residences close to the coast, and new coastal residents often object to traditional activities such as commercial fishing. Maintaining shore access and these traditional activities is therefore an issue rising in profile and concern for many residents. Establishing rules and the social context for co-existence will be a critical issue in the future along the waterfront of the entire state.
Research Needs/Initiatives
Develop and implement efforts, or support existing efforts, which promote continued access to the waterfront for commercial use, including education and support of public forums where discussions can take place.
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Priority 8 - New Species [Non-Industry #11]
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Goal
An aquaculture community in Maine that grows a diverse number of species, supported by appropriate technology, research, regulation, and financial infrastructure.
Rationale
Maine's marine aquaculture industry is dominated by three species: Atlantic salmon, blue mussel, and American oyster. It is generally accepted that diversification is beneficial, and is of heightened importance when considering the possibility of disease and/or predation outbreaks. Opportunities exist with other marine species, but require support from a variety of areas. Work has been conducted on some species, to varying degrees, and should continue to be supported.
Research Needs/Initiatives
Support development of culture techniques and markets for alternate shellfish species, recognizing that the suitability of species may be regionally dependent (e.g. sea scallops downeast).
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Priority 9 - Genetics and Broodstock Development [Non-Industry #13]
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Goal
Develop cost-effective, rapid-growth, disease-resistant broodstock for commercial use.
Rationale
This research and development is key to the success of the Maine molluscan shellfish aquaculture industry. Shellfish growout periods are longer in Maine than in much of the nation, placing Maine growers at a disadvantage. Broodstock selected for rapid growth would aid Maine growers in producing shellstock in a more cost-effective manner. In addition, shellfish diseases Haplosporidium nelsoni , and Perkinus marinus cause mortalities as the shellfish are reaching market size. These diseases are known to be present in Maine waters. Encroachment of these diseases form the south threatens industry viability. This research and development will aid Maine growers by allowing shellstock to reach market size before shellfish succumb to disease.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Continue to develop research programs for: improving disease resistance, growth rates, product quality and shelf life; identifying the genetic basis for desirable market traits; developing species specific markers; analyzing quantitative trait loci; and mapping genes.
- Pursue a statewide policy of development to accomodate the desired traits listed above, while being sensitive to issues surrounding genetically modified organisms and the interaction between cultured and wild stocks.
- Support partnerships between industry and the University of Maine.
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Priority 10 - Industry Communications [Non-Industry #12]
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Goal
A mechanism which provides or allows for efficient transfer of information among industry members.
Rationale
Communications can play a vital part in maintaining a cohesive group of shellfish growers in Maine. Information on diseases, technological advancements, legislative changes, support programs, etc. is beneficial to the industry and should be communicated efficiently and effectively. How Maine's shellfish growers communicate with one another and to other marine user groups is important, as all marine trades are challenged by change along the waterfront.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Improve communication within industry (i.e., electronic mail groups, web site development, and support.)
- Improve communications outside the industry (refer primarily to Priority 2, Public Relations). Identifying the most important groups to target is an important issue to address.
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Priority 11 - Governmental Relations and Initiatives [Non-Industry #9]
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Goal
Support and enhance an effective voice for Maine aquaculture at the federal and state levels.
Rationale
As a relatively new industry, the regulatory issues facing the industry are new and rapidly changing. Needs under this heading will change as the regulatory and technological climate evolves.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Increase understanding of the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, and increase participation in making changes in regulations to improve conditions in the Northeast.
- Support efforts for live sales of shellfish, such as for live, whole, and/or roe-on scallops (see Priority 3, Shellfish Health; and Priority 6, initiative 3).
- Encourage development of a crop loss indemnity program for shellfish in Maine, similar to those available in other states.
- Support policy which encourages strong leadership in aquaculture at the federal level.
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Priority 12 - Funding [Non-Industry #7]
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Goal
A well educated, diversified, and supportive financing community for aquaculture businesses in Maine.
Rationale
Every industry faces issues in financing for new and existing companies. Aquaculture faces issues such as long production schedules, and uncertainty due to environmental and biological questions. Financing institutions often need education on the aquaculture industry, and need to hear convincing arguments as to why their capital should be risked in an aquaculture business.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Encourage increased access to financing for new aquaculture businesses, and increase the awareness of existing programs.
- Support efforts which increase the understanding of aquaculture by financing institutions.
- Support increased funding for development "proof of concept" projects, especially to pre-commercial scale.
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Priority 13 - Student and Work Force Education [Non-Industry #4]
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Goal
To increase the understanding of aquaculture among students of all ages in Maine, both to increase learning in traditional subject and to prepare individuals to enter the industry. Second, to educate individuals and organizations in key areas, such as finance, to increase the acceptance of and support for aquaculture businesses.
Rationale
Lack of knowledge and misunderstanding are obstacles faced by any emerging industry, and aquaculture is no exception. By increasing educational efforts on many levels, aquaculture will become more accepted and supported, and will also achieve a form which is acceptable to coastal communities in Maine. Further, since aquaculture involves aspects of many disciplines and subject areas, it is a powerful teaching tool, and has a special attraction for education since it involves living creatures. Educational efforts of all varieties could therefore have great benefit in the state, with some priorities for future work identified below.
Research Needs/Initiatives
- Continue to support educational programs at the University and technical college levels, and develop programs at the primary, secondary, and adult education levels.
- Develep and implement aquaculture internship programs for student education, targeting families already involved in the marine trades.
- Support increased funding for school-based aquaculture projects.
- Increase amount of information available on start-up requirements, and increase distribution and awareness of resources available to help new industry members.
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