Industry Research Partnerships

Research-industry partnerships have had a vital place at the DMC since its founding.

Shellfish aquaculture in Maine essentially began at the DMC. Oyster growers with ties to the DMC established seven of the nine shellfish farms on the Damariscotta River. Fisheries research-industry collaborations—particularly those related to Maine’s highly valuable lobster industry—have yielded vital information about the biology of economically important species and the responses of these species to changing environmental conditions. Maine Sea Grant and Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center are co-located at the DMC and facilitate these research-industry partnerships. DMC researchers include experts in the biology of both farmed and fished species. In addition, the DMC has designated business incubation spaces, which provide laboratory, office, and operational support for marine aquaculture and biotechnology start-ups.