Salty talks: Conversations on Sustainable Aquaculture in Maine

From Aquaculture to Veterinary School: Daniel Delap’s Path to Animal Health

In this episode of Salty Talks, Daniel Delap shares how his research at the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute, developing fish vaccines and culturing salmon gill cells, helped launch him into veterinary school. We talk fish health, disease research, and how aquaculture experience can open unexpected doors in animal medicine.

Technology, Climate, and the Evolution of Aquaculture in Maine

What does it take to build a thriving aquaculture industry along one of the most rugged coastlines in the country? In this episode of Salty Talks, we delve into the evolution of aquaculture in Maine with marine scientist Dr. Damian Brady, exploring everything from salmon pens and oyster farms to kelp lines and satellite data. But Damian doesn’t just study aquaculture, he helps train the people who will shape its future. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the technologies transforming aquaculture, and why embedding students directly into coastal industries is essential for the next generation of marine science. From hatcheries to harbor masters, climate adaptation to community buy-in, this episode tells the story of a coastal economy in motion and the people making it possible.

Learning the Ropes: Inside Maine's First Aquaculture Boot Camp

In this episode, we head to the Darling Marine Center on the coast of Maine to experience the first-ever Aquaculture Boot Camp—an intensive training program designed to equip the next generation of aquaculture farmers and professionals with hands-on maritime skills.Offered by the Maine Aquaculture Hub in partnership with aquaculture in shared waters, and funded in part by congressional support through Senators King and Collins, this week-long boot camp immerses students in critical aquaculture skills—handling boats, navigation, knot-tying, mooring design, oyster farming, kelp cultivation, and boat trailering.Hear directly from instructors and students about why hands-on training is crucial for Maine’s working waterfront and how building practical skills translates into confidence, safety, and future success in aquaculture.

The Making of an Industry: How Aquaculture Took Root in Maine

Aquaculture has become a cornerstone of Maine’s working waterfront, but it wasn’t always that way. In this episode, we dive into the origins of Maine’s aquaculture industry, tracing its evolution from a handful of experimental leases in the 1970s to a $157 million industry today. We explore how early pioneers tested the waters, the role of research institutions like the Darling Marine Center, and the breakthroughs in hatchery technology and shellfish breeding that helped shape modern aquaculture. Plus, we discuss the challenges of site selection, permitting, and balancing industry growth with sustainability. If you’ve ever wondered how Maine went from wild fisheries to a thriving shellfish and seaweed farming industry, this episode is for you!

Aqueous 2024: Applied aquaculture through indigenous knowledge and western science

In this episode, we delve into the unique experiences of the ARI’s 2024 Aqueous fellows, who blend Indigenous knowledge systems with Western scientific methods to explore innovative solutions in aquaculture. Hosted by Inclusive Science Communications Fellow Rida Ali, this episode features insightful conversations with fellows working on diverse projects such as oyster aquaculture, salmon restoration, and razor clams. We explore the concept of "Two-Eyed Seeing," which integrates Indigenous perspectives with Western science, providing a holistic approach to understanding and managing marine ecosystems. Whether you're a prospective Aqueous applicant or simply curious about sustainable aquaculture, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.