Life Sciences Commons^™

The Sociocultural Significance Of Maine's Oyster Based On Media Coverage Analysis, Syeira Clark

Honors College

Throughout the last decade, the oyster aquaculture industry in Maine has boomed, with 6 million pounds of oysters being harvested in 2021, about the amount that was harvested in 2016 (Cough, 2022). According to the founders of the Maine Oyster Trail, there are over 150 oyster farms currently operating on Maine’s coast, which is about twice as many as there were in 2016 (Maine Sea Grant). With this boom in the industry has come a wave of opportunity, as well as news coverage about the shellfish. This study examines the socio-cultural significance to the state of Maine. While the oyster …

Biophysical Factors Impacting Sea Lice Settlement And Survival, Eleanor R. Glahn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) aquaculture production in Maine is a valuable contributor to the economy, the expansion of which has been challenged by the parasitic salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis. As planktonic organisms, the life of the salmon louse is primarily dictated by the physical conditions of the environment: the temperature for development time, salinity for survival, and current velocity for transport. Salmon lice are obligate parasites for whom the successful infection of a suitable host is critical to completion of their life cycle. However, little is understood about the effects of current velocity on infection success. Hydrodynamic …

Developing And Characterizing A Novel Tempo Cnf Hydrogel Adjuvant And Delivery System For Aquatic Vaccines, Kora Kukk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aquaculture is a large part of the food production sector which is greatly expanding. One of the largest losses in aquaculture is due to pathogens. Current solutions for protecting farmed finfish from pathogens can be very expensive with variable efficiency. Current disease prevention strategies include vaccination. Types of vaccines include immersion vaccines, feed vaccines, and injectable vaccines. The most popular solution is oil-based injectable vaccines due to its protection. However, the oil-based adjuvant used in most of these formulations causes adverse reactions in the fish including reduced growth. These vaccines require multiple administrations throughout the fish’s lifetime causing unwanted handling …

Abundance Of Shell-Boring Polychaete Worms And Other Fouling Organisms In Aquacultured Oysters From Maine Used For Reef Restoration In Great Bay, Nh, Haleigh Wright

Honors College

Restoration projects on the oyster reefs in Great Bay, NH have been active since 2009 with the most recent involving the transfer of oysters from Maine oyster farms into the Bay. In an attempt to prevent the transfer of non-native species from oyster farms to the reefs, samples of oysters from each farm were inspected for shell-boring polychaete infestations. Polydora websteri, a common shell-boring species worldwide, was in high abundance in reference samples from oyster farms in Great Bay and in samples from the restoration grounds, themselves. A second shell-boring species, provisionally identified as P. onagawaensis, is present on oyster …

Marine Aquaculture In Maine: Understanding Diverse Perspectives And Interactions At Multiple Scales, Melissa L. Britsch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Coastal oceans are changing and experiencing increased use. The social and ecological benefits of healthy coastal oceans are well documented and include habitats for marine species, storm protection, and recreational opportunities (MEA, 2005). As the impacts of human activities are recognized, questions about how ocean spaces should be used are becoming more common. These questions are complex and involve many tradeoffs. Understanding the values people hold about uses, and how activities and ecosystems overlap, is critical for weighing tradeoffs and improving future management. I use the northeastern U.S. state of Maine to study human interactions with coastal oceans. Maine is …

Genetic Analysis Of Yellowtail (Seriola Lalandi) For Aquaculture In Maine, Sydney Avena

Honors College

Aquaculture is a growing industry in Maine, and identifying new species with potential for aquaculture is crucial for its continuing success. The University of Maine’s Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR) currently holds a stock of California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi). Similar in taste to tuna or mackerel, yellowtail are wild-caught as well as aquacultured in net pens and recirculating aquaculture systems worldwide. The fish presently at CCAR originally came from Great Bay Aquaculture and their genetic makeup is unknown. Recent research on S. lalandi suggests that this circumglobal fish has enough genetic difference between populations in the Northeast Pacific, Northwest …

Scallop Aquaculture Research Collaborative Meeting, Meggan Dwyer

Miscellaneous Publications

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Production Of Feed For Recirculating Aquaculture Using Black Solider Flies And Microalgae, Patrick Erbland

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The demand for high-quality, nutritious food continues to increase as human populations grow. As wild fisheries are depleted, aquaculture production is growing to meet the demand for seafood. Sustainable alternatives to wild caught fish meal are increasingly valued for aquaculture feed production. Microalgae and insect larvae are both valuable sources of fatty acids in aquaculture feed. Black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens (L.) are used to convert organic waste streams into insect-based animal feeds. We tested their ability to retain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from feeding substrates, which has important implications for their use …

Senders, Receivers, And Spillover Dynamics: Understanding Transformative Forces Of Aquaculture In The Marine Aquarium Trade, Bryce Risley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Industry and academic conversations on aquaculture’s role in the marine aquarium trade are often centered on production advancements, biological and reproductive constraints of concerned species, and conservation deliverables and often overlook the possible socioeconomic consequences of aquaculture production. Due attention is yet to be spent on understanding broader stakeholder sentiment on aquaculture production and the toll it may have on specialized suppliers such as those in the Sri Lankan marine ornamental fishery. Utilizing a framework derived from Coupled Human and Natural Systems, research found suppling stakeholders predominantly unable to participate in aquaculture production due to various access limitations. When viewed …

Biophysical And Stable Isotopic Profiles Of The Salmon Louse Lepeophtheirus Salmonis (Krøyer, 1837), Emma Taccardi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis is a parasitic copepod that infects wild and farmed salmonids throughout the northern hemisphere. L. salmonis represents the largest economic hurdle of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) industry, with an estimated annual cost of nearly $1 billion globally due to production losses and anti-parasitic control measures. Salmon farming in Maine has existed for decades and is a critical economic driver, yet the region is underrepresented in global sea lice research. The aim of this work was to examine parasites in the context of animal trophic transfer and characterize physiological condition by quantifying the …

Sourcing And Evaluating The Use Of Detritus As A Supplementary Diet For Bivalve Aquaculture Using Stable Isotopes And Fatty Acid Biomarkers, Adrianus C. Both

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Detritus is a ubiquitous component of ecosystems and an important fuel for secondary production. Due to the extractive nature of bivalve aquaculture, detritus is often incorporated into carrying capacity and growth models for cultured bivalves. However, despite the complexity and difficulty in obtaining direct measurements, detritus is often treated as a homogeneous food source in models. Further understanding the role detritus plays in the diet of cultured bivalves could lead to more comprehensive and accurate models as well as more informed site selection for growers. The purpose of this study was to assess the abundance, bioavailability, and contribution of detritus …

Black Soldier Fly Larvae As Value-Added Feed For Aquaculture In Maine, Joshua Villazana

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Black soldier flies (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) consume decaying organic waste as larvae (BSFL) and can be used for recycling a variety of biogenic wastes. BSFL can also be processed into value-added animal feeds, including those used in aquaculture. An overarching goal of this project was to obtain additional insights into BSF biology to improve their rearing and handling in future mass-production facilities serving Maine aquaculture.

We tested BSFL growth in the laboratory on seven seafood wastes from Maine fish processing facilities. Substrates potentially suitable for BSFL rearing included finfish trimmings, wet sea cucumber, dry quahog, and sea …

Red Abalone Hemocyanin As An Alternative Hapten-Carrier For Vaccine Production, Isaiah N. Mansour

Honors College

Vaccines protect millions of human lives per year from otherwise fatal illnesses. Vaccination promotes immunity by simulating infection with a non-pathogenic representative of the disease, an antigen, to prepare and train an immune response. Vaccine-safe antigens are often too small to elicit an immune response. These non-immunogenic molecules are referred to as haptens and are introduced to the immune system by hapten-carriers, large immune-stimulating proteins. Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH), a respiratory protein of the giant keyhole limpet (Megathura crenulata), is the industry standard hapten-carrier. KLH is a potent yet safe immune-stimulant relied upon in research, available human medications, and emerging …

Detrital Protein Contributes To Oyster Nutrition And Growth In The Damariscotta Estuary, Maine, Usa, Cheyenne M. Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oyster aquaculture is an expanding industry that relies on identifying and utilizing natural estuarine conditions for the economically viable production of a filter-feeding crop. The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is the principal species currently cultured in Maine. In addition to preferentially consumed phytoplankton, various detrital complexes (non-algal and/or non-living organic matter) may provide some nutrition to C. virginica between times of phytoplankton abundance. Here I investigated the importance of detrital proteins in supporting the growth of oysters cultured in the upper Damariscotta Estuary. Oyster aquaculture in this area is highly successful and previous reports indicate that labile detrital protein …

Advancing Development Of Porphyra Umbilicalis As A Red Algal Model System And Aquaculture Crop, Charlotte Royer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The marine red alga Porphyra umbilicalis (Rhodophyta, Bangiaceae) has ideal traits to allow it to become a model organism, including its economic value, reproduction in the northwestern Atlantic through asexual neutral spores (NS), and availability of fully-sequenced nuclear and organelle genomes. Research on the bacterial component of the Porphyra microbiome is ongoing. To advance model organism development and support microbial studies, data on natural reproductive trends and early embryonic development are needed, along with a system for genetic transformation, and ways of visualizing the attached microbial community. To meet these needs, two years of phenological data were analyzed, revealing seasonal …

Ecosystem Metabolism Modeling Of Estuaries In Maine: Using Dissolved Oxygen As A Tool For Aquaculture Site Assessment, Katherine Miller

Honors College

The net primary productivity (NPP), also known as the net ecosystem metabolism, of an estuary is a value indicative of the growth and activity of an estuary’s primary producers, relative to the metabolic activity of its consumers. When NPP is high, estuaries exhibit autotrophic conditions that have the capacity to support fruitful bivalve aquaculture. For oyster farmers, the ability to monitor an estuary’s NPP would allow them to predict and prepare for seasonal changes to oyster growth that result from changes to their phytoplankton food source and access to dissolved oxygen (DO). Not only would this aid farmers on site …

Maine Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus Control Program Standards, Christopher Bartlett

Maine Sea Grant Publications

The United States Department of Agriculture, (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, (APHIS), Veterinary Services, (VS) Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus Control Program Standards, hereafter referred to as the Standards, establish recommended procedures for the prevention and containment of Infectious Salmon Anemia virus (ISAV) in farm-raised Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The Standards provide guidelines for producers, APHIS-accredited veterinarians, other fish health personnel, laboratory personnel, and regulators. The eligibility of Atlantic salmon producers affected by ISA in Maine to receive indemnity is based, in part, on compliance with these Standards, and upon availability of any indemnity funds …

Aquaculture In Shared Waters Fact Sheet: Kelp Aquaculture, Sarah Redmond, Sam Belknap, Rebecca Clark Uchenna

Maine Sea Grant Publications

“Kelp” are large brown marine macroalgae species native to New England and traditionally wild harvested for food. There are three commercially important kelp species in Maine—sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), winged kelp (Alaria esculenta), and horsetail kelp (Laminaria digitata). Maine is developing techniques for culturing kelp on sea farms as a way for fishermen and farmers to diversify their operations while providing a unique, high quality, nutritious vegetable seafood for new and existing markets. Kelp is grown on submerged horizontal long lines on leased sea farms from September to May, making it a “winter crop” for Maine. The simple farm design, …

Aquaculture In Shared Waters Fact Sheet: Getting To Know Your Water, Dana Morse, Samuel Belknap, Rebecca Clark Uchenna

Maine Sea Grant Publications

Aquaculture businesses must operate on sound environmental principles, most especially because marine aquaculture occurs in an open system: the ocean. While all farming activities, on land or at sea, have some degree of environmental interaction, farmers should understand these processes, with best management practices to minimize negative impacts. Successful farms must cope effectively with any changes to the marine system, and an organized system of monitoring and recordkeeping will improve your chances of business success, while maintaining a healthy environment. This fact sheet provides a summary of direct and indirect environmental factors that may affect your marine aquaculture business; more …

Aquaculture In Shared Waters Fact Sheet: The Business Of Aquaculture, Richard Clime

Maine Sea Grant Publications

Maine has significant potential to benefit from the successful integration of commercial fishing and the seafood business in the form of aquaculture and you have a chance to be involved in the beginning stages of this promising field. Aquaculture can be seen as a way to diversify on-the-water income and can easily complement existing fisheries businesses. There are risks associated with any business, however if managed properly aquaculture can be profitable.

Aquaculture In Shared Waters Fact Sheet: Site Selection, Dana Morse

Maine Sea Grant Publications

Site selection is the process of determining the optimum place for the sea farm. It’s a critical process, and will affect success - or failure. Crops grown on the wrong site may never do well, despite the best efforts of the farmer, and since obtaining a lease is usually a lengthy process, it’s not easy for a farmer to simply start up at a new site. The best approach is to do your homework thoroughly.

Aquaculture In Shared Waters Fact Sheet: Aquaculture In Maine, Dana Morse, James Crimp, Rebecca Clark Uchenna

Maine Sea Grant Publications

This series of “Aquaculture in Shared Waters” fact sheets is intended to help fishermen or others in Maine’s coastal communities interested in starting a small-scale aquaculture business as we move towards achieving this potential in a way that is best for our people and the environment.

Aquaculture In Shared Waters Fact Sheet: Husbandry, Dana Morse, Samuel Belknap, Rebecca Clark Uchenna

Maine Sea Grant Publications

When people think of sea farming, it’s usually the husbandry part that they have in mind: tending the crop, working on the boat, etc. Husbandry is a rewarding part of the aquaculture process, and good husbandry is critical to success. Paired with strong financial management and sales and marketing, husbandry is where the rubber meets the road. Your goal as the farmer is very simple, but difficult to do well: Successful aquaculturists keep their animals and plants at optimum health. Another way to think about this is to keep the crop at minimum stress: low stress equals faster growth, improved …

Social And Ecological Factors Affecting The Adoption Of Aquaculture, Karen Pianka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Commercial fishermen in Maine are increasingly dependent upon the American lobster fishery, and this reliance on a single species poses a threat to working waterfronts. Aquaculture represents a potential opportunity for commercial fishermen to diversify their income. Literature on the adoption of innovation suggests that factors such as age, education level, fishing experience, diversification, and leadership are important predictors of early adoption of innovation. However, few studies have examined whether such factors affect the adoption of aquaculture by commercial fishermen. Our marine policy research studied fishermen enrolled in two pilot shellfish and seaweed aquaculture classes held in 2013 in Harpswell …

Remote Sensing For Oyster Aquaculture In Maine, Jordan Snyder

Miscellaneous Publications

No abstract provided.

Population Ecology And Epidemiology Of Sea Lice In Canadian Waters, Sonja M. Saksida, Ian Bricknell, Shawn M. C. Robinson, Simon Jones

Maine Sea Grant Publications

Sea lice are found on farmed and wild fish on both the west coast and east coast of Canada. The predominant species on both coasts is referred to as Lepeophtheirus salmonis but indications are that the two groups are genetically different. Caligus species are also found on both coasts, these too are different species: Caligus clemensi and C. elongatus, respectively. There has been extensive work on sea lice on both wild and farmed fish over the last decade. Research indicates that L. salmonis, commonly referred to as the salmon louse; may have a broader host range than commonly …

Selection For Enhanced Disease Resistance And Growth Performance In Cross-Bred Eastern Oysters, Crassostrea Virginica, Paul Rawson

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Through a replicated field trial we will test the hypothesis that enhanced disease resistance to multiple diseases and improved growth can be realized through a combination of interline crossing and genetic selection on cross-bred lines of oysters.

Together with oyster growers, hatchery operators and extension agents, we will develop guidelines and protocols for the transfer of the best performing lines from our program to commercial hatcheries and the industry. Project results and updates on access to broodstock will be presented at the annual NACE meeting, at annual meetings of the National Shellfisheries Association and via a Fact Sheet at the …

Rapid: Natural Laboratories In The Chilean Fjords: Studying Reproduction And Development In Emergent Deep-Sea Corals, Rhian G. Waller

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

The northern Patagonian fjords lie on the interface between the high Andes Mountains in the east and the South Pacific Ocean, formed thousands of years ago through erosive glacial activity and tectonic sinking (Borgel, 1970). Around 12,000 years ago the icefields in the Chiloé Interior Sea began to open, leaving behind over 15,000km2 of fjords, channels and gulfs (Clapperton, 1994). The waters within the fjords are influenced by strong tides, large volumes of freshwater runoff, and upwelling of deep-ocean waters as well as steep climatic gradients from north to south (observed in parameters such as temperature, wind intensity and precipitation; …

Maine's Kelp Highway, Catherine Schmitt

Maine Sea Grant Publications

No abstract provided.

Building A Sustainable Seafood System For Maine, Robin Alden

Maine Policy Review

In this article, Robin Alden notes that Maine could have one of the premier marine food systems in the world. However, that means adequate steward­ship of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and diversifying the fishing industry beyond lobster by creating innovative public policy and a food system that supports community fishing.