Challenges and opportunities for integrating aquaculture with commercial fishing in Maine

Aquaculture or the farming of aquatic species is often viewed as a diversification opportunity for commercial fishers dependent on variable wild stocks; however, the path to successful adoption is complex. The state of Maine (USA) offers a unique opportunity to study the adoption of aquaculture by commercial fishers due to the growth of the aquaculture industry and training programs in place to educate fishers about farming techniques and support business development. We aimed to better understand commercial fisher adoption of aquaculture through 42 semi-structured interviews with individuals who work in commercial fisheries and had considered or were implementing aquaculture. We identified the main motivations for considering aquaculture to include an interest in diversifying their fishing-dependent livelihoods as well as having personal or professional connections who encouraged individuals to consider starting aquaculture operations. Those who were implementing aquaculture had often chosen to farm species that had established husbandry techniques and markets which likely reduced the uncertainty in starting a new venture. Many commercial fishers who were participating in aquaculture hoped to be able to continue balancing commercial fishing and farming which has implications for the scale at which they can operate an aquaculture farm. Ultimately, aquaculture can be a diversification opportunity for commercial fishers; however, it is necessary to consider avenues for overcoming barriers to entry such as high costs associated with the implementation of aquaculture.