Fisheries & Marine

The startup’s goal is to address a gap in how the maritime and coastal industries manage and monetize the vast amounts of sensor data they generate.

The sector’s direct economic contribution in 2023 was $105.9 million, with an additional $57.5 million from supply chain effects and $44.7 million in household spending.

Maine’s aquaculture industry “is by far one of the most innovative sectors in the marine space, no holds barred,” In part because the industry is young and entrepreneurs are learning while doing, said one industry leader.

A potential agreement with the Fairhaven, Mass.-based Northeast Maritime Institute-College of Maritime Science could keep the Landing School open.

“The idea was, ‘Let’s see what the Japanese are doing around sea urchins, that we could be doing here,’” said one participant.

The program focuses on business management, policy engagement, global markets and industry advocacy for commercial fishermen.

Partners include PC Construction and SMRT Architects & Engineers, both with specialized experience in aquaculture and water treatment.

Springtide has trained hundreds of seaweed farmers in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Asia. It supplies seaweed seed to industry and research institutions throughout the U.S.

In March, Ocean’s Balance was named “Exporter of the Year” by the Maine International Trade Center.

Since 2011, the Local Catch Network has helped over 70 community-based seafood businesses across New England, Florida, Alaska, California and Puerto Rico.