Category: In the news

ew research indicates that Maine’s edible seaweed production will grow an average of 12% to 15% annually over the next decade and is expected to more than double by 2025. 
The Island Institute published the report, which describes the growth potential for Maine’s edible seaweed market over the next 15 years. 

Maine edible seaweed processors are “split” regarding the role of organic in their industry’s product offerings. products’ strategic role in their product offerings.
That’s according to a new report by the Island Institute, a Rockland, Maine-based nonprofit, that describes the growth potential of the edible seaweed market in Maine, a major farmed seaweed producing state, over the next 15 years.

Maine’s Island Institute is accepting applications for its 2020 Aquaculture Business Development (ABD) programme and is looking to support the state’s coastal and island residents who are keen to start mussel, oyster or seaweed aquaculture businesses within the next two years.
The programme is particularly suitable for commercial fishers who are looking to diversify their businesses.

BAR HARBOR — Marine scientist Susie Arnold of the Island Institute will discuss research about kelp farming and ocean acidification Monday, March 9 at 5 p.m. at the MDI Biological Laboratory, as part of the laboratory’s Science Café series.
Maine’s scenic coastlines and long-established fisheries contribute to the state’s economy, making Maine vulnerable to the effects of ocean acidification from both an environmental and socio-economic perspective.

ROCKLAND — Have you ever thought about gaining a new source of income by growing mussels, oysters, or seaweed? Island Institute is now accepting applications for its 2020 Aquaculture Business Development (ABD) program and is looking to support coastal and island residents who are highly motivated to start shellfish or seaweed aquaculture businesses within the next two years.
To be considered for the program, those interested must submit a short, six-question application by March 13.

“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success,” according to Henry Ford. This sentiment could be the motto for a group of Roque Bluffs residents who saw a need and did something about it.

Two competing trends make the economies of Maine’s year-round islands precarious, says Rob Snyder, president of the nonprofit Island Institute. “The lobster industry is suffering from international trade tariffs and a drop in lobster landings,” he says. “Prices for lobster have been high so markets for our product are becoming unpredictable at home and abroad.… Read more »

Every January, Mainebiz looks at the coming year and asks a range of experts, “Where is the economy headed?” This year, we asked CEOs, business owners and nonprofit leaders what 2020 will look like. A year ago, many were expecting a recession. That didn’t materialize and this year many are expecting to stay strong throughout the year. Yet, even though some sectors are strong, there are concerns out there. Construction costs continue to skyrocket, consumer goods are getting more expensive, health care costs are rising.

OWLS HEAD — The lack of broadband service is leaving some residents out in the digital cold and they are asking the town for help.
Several people turned out Monday afternoon Jan. 6 to an Owls Head Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the impact of not having access to the internet.
In the end, a town committee and the Rockland-based Island Institute, which has worked on the issues for island and other coastal communities, will look at options.