NAME: Sam Belknap
TITLE: Director of Island Institute’s Center for Marine Economy
FOCUS I direct work aimed at protecting and sustaining Maine’s working waterfronts, as well as advancing the use of electric outboards for our commercial fleet, and expanding aquaculture businesses.
IN THIS PHOTO: Seen at far right, I’m moderating a panel discussion at Damariscotta’s Lincoln Theater on July 7 as part of a “Talking Aquaculture” series. The panel included, from left, Hugh Cowperthwaite, senior program director for fisheries and aquaculture at Coastal Enterprises, Inc.; Emma Fernald, owner and operator of Bay Lady Scallops; and Dana Morse, aquaculture lead at Maine Sea Grant.
The presentation was part of our work increasing the awareness of and support for Maine aquaculture to grow this important economic sector, which we believe builds from and supplements our fishing heritage. Dana and Hugh talked about their efforts in bringing scallop aquaculture to Maine, which included exchange trips to Japan. Emma, a seventh-generation lobster harvester from Islesford (Little Cranberry Island), spoke of facing a decades-long wait to get her lobster license, and how she took the plunge into scallop aquaculture to maintain her working connection to the water.
Consider joining us at our next conversation on the benefits of aquaculture. And while you’re waiting—I hear you can get farmed scallops anytime of the year if you know the right people. Right Emma?
