The Aquaculture Research Institute

James was an AquEOUS fellow last year. Listen to him talk about his experience and consider applying to be a fellow in 2025! https://lnkd.in/e3p-2SQx

We are pleased to announce that applications are open for the Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students (AquEOUS) Fellowship, an USDA Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) at the University of Maine's Wabanaki Center and Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and in collaboration with Wabanaki Youth in Science. This unique fellowship offers undergraduate students from around the nation an opportunity to use indigenous science and STEM concepts to solve real-world problems in aquaculture at the University of Maine’s world class aquaculture facilities. Mentorship will be provided by interdisciplinary faculty and indigenous knowledge keepers. Through this paid fellowship, students will have an array of research foci from which to choose. They will work on hands-on projects using concepts learned from their mentors as well as seminars, field trips, and workshops addressing indigenous knowledge, applied aquaculture science and science communications. Room and board are provided at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, ME for 10 weeks. We invite students and faculty to learn more about the Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students (AquEOUS) Fellowship and apply by February 15th. Please feel free to share with anyone who may be interested in this unique program. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at ari@maine.edu. Link to AquEOUS application page: https://lnkd.in/e3p-2SQx

At the Aquaculture Research Institute, we are collaborating with the USDA to answer critical questions about aquaculture in Maine. From shellfish to finfish, our research is driving innovation to support both environmental and economic sustainability. Thanks Deborah Bouchard and Damian Brady!

Congratulations to Kara Chuang, a recent ARI graduate, selected as a 2025 Knauss Marine Policy Fellow! As part of a diverse group of 88 finalists, she will spend the next year in Washington, D.C., working with federal leaders to address key issues affecting our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Knauss Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience in shaping national marine policy. Nice job, Kara!

Do you love oysters but aren’t sure how to prepare them at home? Join MAIC for a live-streamed webinar at the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Kitchen featuring oyster farmer Smokey McKeen and chef Kayli McKeen as they prepare three dishes made with oysters from their own farm! Starting with a basic shucking demo, Kayli will lead us through preparing a mignonette, an oyster flan, and an oyster ceviche. Cook along with us or just watch and learn! DATE: Thursday, September 19th TIME: 5:00-6:00pm LOCATION: Online Register here: https://lnkd.in/e7u43XA7 For an ingredient list (coming soon!): https://lnkd.in/eAq5YfvX

Today, we had the pleasure of visiting The Aquaculture Research Institute at the University of Maine in Orono. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2018 and is home to cutting-edge research that’s driving innovation and sustainability in aquaculture and beyond. A big thank you to the incredible team for hosting us and sharing the exciting projects and partnerships you’re fostering! #aquaculture #maine #research #sustainability #innovation

We’re missing our Aqueous Summer Fellows, but our amazing communications intern, Rida Ali captured the heart of their journey perfectly in this special Salty Talks episode. From their hands-on experiences to the lasting impact they’ve made, Rida beautifully showcases the purpose behind the Aqueous Fellowship program. Tune in to hear how these incredible fellows spent their summer. https://lnkd.in/eWsdV_Y6

I have had an amazing experience as an ARI AquEOUS fellow this summer in Mid-coast Maine! I worked on razor clam aquaculture implementation, two eyed seeing, and the Darling Marine Centers experimental farm! So many great memories with amazing people, what a special summer <3

I always have a great time showing people around the Darling Marine Center, since its a place I've been working and living at this summer! Recently, I got to take a few other AquEOUS fellows around and show them the lab, some aquaculture gear, and my research sites.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources implemented expanded Vibrio regulations for oysters in 2024 primarily due to an illness outbreak in the summer of 2023. This discussion will cover what Vibrio is, where it lives, how it thrives, and what harvesters and dealers can do to reduce the risk of illness for consumers. (Spoiler alert, you just have to cool oysters quickly and keep them cold!) Join us to stay up to date on these important food safety topics! MAIC June webinar: Vibrio in Maine: What's the Risk and How to When? Friday, June 21st from 12 to 1 pm Where? Online (register here: https://lnkd.in/evj38F3v)