File photo / Island Institute
Rob Snyder
February 3, 2025
Maine aquaculture training program to receive climate-related grant
Courtesy / Maine Aquaculture Association
The grants, from a New York nonprofit, are focused on climate change solutions within the seafood industry.
The Aquaculture Apprenticeship Program, a hands-on training initiative designed to build a skilled, sustainable workforce for Maine’s growing aquaculture sector, was among three recipients of $70,000 grants from a New York nonprofit that’s focused on climate change solutions within the seafood industry.
The grant was made by the nonprofit Acme Smoked Fish Foundation, the charitable arm of the Acme Smoked Fish Corp., a privately-owned company in Brooklyn, N.Y. The foundation awards grants to support climate change projects throughout the industry along with educational grants in their communities.
The apprenticeship program is managed by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in partnership with the Maine Aquaculture Association and Southern Maine Community College. The program combines technical education with practical farm experience and prepares apprentices for successful careers in the low-carbon aquaculture industry.
It was established in 2022 in response to Maine’s growing aquaculture industry.
Maine aquaculture operators produce more than 25 species of finfish, shellfish and sea vegetable — more than any other U.S. state, according to the Maine Aquaculture Association.
The apprenticeship program was launched as workforce development was becoming a primary focus for the industry.
Reducing carbon footprint
The seafood industry climate award program is now in its third year.
“With growing support from funders around the country, we are on our way to positioning the seafood industry to be a leader in the climate movement,” said Rob Snyder, Acme Smoked Fish’s chief people and sustainability officer and a former leader of the nonprofit Island Institute in Rockland.
The award criteria look at the overall impact a project can make on reducing the carbon footprint of the seafood industry; a demonstrated plan with a clear approach and time-bound goals; and a focus on improving seafood industry diversity (women, people of color and marginalized communities).
One recipient will also receive an inaugural TD Bank award, whose criteria includes a geographical focus on East Coast-based projects that are promoting the low-carbon transition through innovative solutions and workforce development projects.
Award winners were chosen by a panel of judges representing stakeholders from across the industry, including Maine-based Bri Warner, former CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms .
Recipients will receive the grant and recognition at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston this coming March.
The inaugural awards of $40,000 each were made in 2022.
Other grantees
- The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative, led by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, addresses climate change challenges in the freshwater fishing industry by valorizing fish byproducts and diverting waste from landfills for high-value purposes.
- Oceans 97’s vision for zero waste seafood processing involves developing a curriculum and training program for smoked fish, chitin and mussel powder production in Carteret County, N.C.
Mainebiz web partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments