While some may look to Maine as leaders in U.S. aquaculture, its economic growth has not been assessed in nearly a decade. This study uses data from a sector-driven survey to assess the economic impacts of Maine’s aquaculture sector in 2023. The findings paint a picture of the various types of aquaculture occurring in Maine, their impacts, and the related businesses and services that have grown to accompany the sector. This allows for comparisons to be drawn from the previous, 2014-based study, and highlights successes and shortfalls in the Maine aquaculture sector’s growth. Preliminary findings show notable increases in the farm gate value and total economic impacts of the shellfish sector, led by oysters. The survey also reveals projections for Maine’s aquaculture growth over the next ten years, along with the identification of barriers to growth.
This presentation will cover the methodology of the impact assessment, and lessons learned from it. It will also use Maine as a case study to show where other efforts in Maine have led to notable economic impacts, along with other areas that are lacking.