Project

Maine Farmed Shellfish Market Analyses

Facilitating economic growth for Maine's farmed shellfish businesses

This project has produced two data-driven, quantitative market assessments to inform industry leaders and business owners about the potential scale and scope of markets for farmed shellfish and to facilitate strategic growth in the industry. The most recent report was completed in 2023 and published in 2024.

Project Goals:

  • Conduct comprehensive market analyses of Maine's shellfish aquaculture industry.
  • Evaluate the scale and scope of the opportunity for Maine’s aquaculture industry participants.
  • Recommend strategies that will enable Maine to build its aquaculture industry while reducing internal competition within the state.
  • Provide long-range context to support capital investment decisions and ensure sustainability and resiliency of Maine's aquaculture industry.

2023 Maine Farmed Shellfish Market Analysis Report

Maine remains in an excellent position to further develop its aquaculture industry and capture a greater share of the shellfish marketplace for oysters, mussels, and scallops. Since our 2016 market report, the state has retained its competitive advantages. Read our new report to learn more.

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This new, comprehensive market analysis, prepared by Pentallect, Inc. at the direction of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute Aquaculture Program, unveils substantial growth prospects for Maine's aquaculture industry. The seismic impact of Covid-19 on US seafood markets, stemming from the closure of restaurants in March 2020, prompted innovative companies to pivot from 'survival' strategies to robust growth initiatives. This unprecedented disruption became a catalyst for reshaping traditional supply chains, opening up novel and promising avenues for seafood distribution.

The primary objective of this report is to facilitate the success of Maine-based and broader US shellfish farms in the post-Covid-19 landscape. By providing data-driven market analyses and strategic recommendations, the report aims to safeguard against job losses while fostering growth and job creation within the aquaculture sector. Leveraging the expertise and resources gained from the 2016 Farmed Shellfish Market Analysis, this updated report builds on that foundation to deliver a current and insightful analysis.

A large table is completely filled with blue mussels (which appear black) that have recently been caught by local fishermen.

2016 Maine Farmed Shellfish Market Analysis

This data-driven, quantitative market assessment from 2016 informs industry leaders and business owners about the potential scale and scope of markets for farmed shellfish and to facilitate strategic growth in the industry.

Download Report

Key Staff

2023 Report Partner

This is a logo for Pentallect Inc.

The 2023 market analysis report was prepared by Pentallect, Inc. at the direction of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

2016 Report Partner

Blue text on a white background that reads "The Hale Group"

The 2016 market analysis report was prepared by The Hale Group at the direction of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

2016 Report Steering Committee

  • Sebastian Belle (Maine Aquaculture Association)
  • Nick Branchina (Branchina, Maine)
  • Dick Clime (Coastal Enterprises, Incorporated)
  • Eric Horne (Flying Point Oyster Farm)
  • Bill Mook (Mook Sea Farm)
  • Gary Moretti (Bangs Island Mussels)
  • Dana Morse (Maine Sea Grant)
  • Barb Scully (Glidden Point Oyster Sea Farm)
  • Peter Stocks (Calendar Island Mussels)
  • Briana Warner and Nick Battista (The Island Institute)
  • Fiona de Koning (Hollander & de Koning Mussels)

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