COURTESY OF MAINE SEA GRANT
Maine is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and versatile seaweeds, with over 200 species playing a critical role in supporting ocean health. Seaweeds are also a valuable cultural and culinary resource used in nutrient-rich foods, organic fertilizers, health products, and more. In addition to the state’s established wild fishery, Maine seaweed farmers lead the US in production, harvesting over one million pounds in 2023.
At Maine Sea Grant, we support thriving coastal communities and ecosystems through research, education, and outreach. We collaborate with fishermen, sea farmers, businesses, regulators, researchers, and community leaders, as well as with regional, national, and international initiatives to support Maine’s seafood sector and those who depend on it. As we work to foster sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fisheries and aquaculture in Maine communities, we see seaweed as a key part of the history and future of our working waterfronts.
Although Maine’s commercial seaweed sector dates back over 50 years, there’s much to learn from countries where seaweeds have been cultivated and consumed for centuries. Maine Sea Grant seaweed specialist Jaclyn Robidoux recently traveled to Japan with a group of U.S. research and industry representatives on a trip organized by Coastal Enterprises, Inc. and funded by Builders Initiative. The group learned about farming and harvest methods, innovative products, and other critical aspects of Japan’s seaweed sector. Said Robidoux, “Seaweed is celebrated and integrated into so many aspects of Japanese culture and cuisine! It was incredible to experience this firsthand. We’re excited to bring back new ideas and collaborations to support Maine’s industry.”
Sea Grant staff regularly share this type of insight through educational programming. In developing seaweed curricula, we engage teachers and students statewide in exploring coastal ecosystems. Other learning opportunities are designed specifically for industry. Aquaculture in Shared Waters, a community-based training program offered by a group of partner organizations including Maine Sea Grant, has helped more than 500 fishermen, farmers, and professionals start or improve shellfish and seaweed businesses since 2013. In 2024, the program diversified into new offerings to better serve women and nonbinary aquaculturists, new farmers, and new farm hires.
To address emerging challenges, Maine Sea Grant regularly convenes diverse groups who learn together and share perspectives. In 2023, we led an effort by the National Seaweed Hub to host the National Seaweed Symposium, drawing 250 leaders in seaweed research, development, production, and resource management from across the U.S. The four-day conference coincided with Maine Seaweed Week, an annual festival that celebrates Maine’s seaweed harvest with workshops, events, restaurant specials, and more for visitors and residents alike.
Finally, Maine Sea Grant funds cutting-edge research on issues of importance to Maine’s seaweed sector, supporting innovation and business development. Recent investments have developed post-harvest processing technology and food safety guidance for harvested seaweeds, investigated predation by snails on commercially valuable kelp species, and examined the return and genetic diversity of kelp forests and the biomass and growth rates of rockweed beds. To learn more, visit seagrant.umaine.edu!
