About

Aquaculture in Shared Waters is a community-based training program that has helped hundreds of fishermen, farmers, and professionals start or improve their aquaculture businesses since the start of the program in 2013. Courses are designed and taught by leading industry, regulatory, and scientific experts and focus on current, key topics for active and aspiring aquaculturists. The program also strategically builds professional networks for participants by offering hands-on field trips, one-on-one mentoring, and business planning opportunities with instructors.

The name, Aquaculture in Shared Waters, reflects the fact that aquaculture is one of many diverse uses of Maine’s coastline, which requires consideration of other user groups and collaboration within communities. Over the decade, the program has been responsive to the changing needs and opportunities in aquaculture Maine - developing advanced curriculum, exploring current technologies and formats, and targeting new audiences. The program incorporates years of social science research, in partnership with the University of Maine School of Marine Sciences, to continually evaluate and improve the learning and experience of participants. 

The Aquaculture in Shared Waters program strives to stimulate economic opportunities for all Maine people by providing the education, tools, and skills to pursue fulfilling work on the Maine coast.