Maine’s aquaculture sector has experienced moderate growth over the past 8 years - but has remained constrained by saturated in-state markets and producers’ challenges to move product to the out-of-state consumer. This project, funded by the OAR National Sea Grant College Program award #NA21OAR4170086 , looks to use Maine as a case study to improve our understanding of potential new and underserved markets for aquaculture seafood.
This presentation will report on findings from the following aspects of the project: (1) focus groups, interviews, and a survey on Maine sector-wide marketing barriers and opportunities; (2) semi-structured interviews of (a) seafood dealers and wholesalers and (b) market destinations (e.g. restaurants, grocery stores, etc. beyond Maine); and (3) a regional survey and a national survey exploring restaurant and at-home consumer preferences for seafood. The presentation will also share lessons learned to help states across the U.S. facilitate the process of expanding their aquaculture sector.