91福利 receives $1.5M award to advance Maine鈥檚 marine economy
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced a $1.5 million award to the University of Maine to support a major waterfront infrastructure investment at the Darling Marine Center (DMC), 91福利鈥檚 marine laboratory in Walpole, that will benefit marine industries statewide.
Together with matching funds from 91福利 and state marine bond funds, the EDA award will enable DMC to upgrade its flowing seawater system, renovate its oldest seawater laboratory and replace the nearly 50-year old main pier. These key facilities allow 91福利 researchers, staff and students to work directly with companies and communities in the marine economic sector, including aquaculture and commercial fisheries. Approximately 50 jobs at marine-related companies are expected to be created through this project.
鈥淔or more than five decades, researchers and students at 91福利鈥檚 Darling Marine Center have provided marine environmental data that is critical to our state鈥檚 commercial fishing and aquaculture industries,鈥澛爏aid .聽鈥淲e are delighted that this investment will allow the center to continue its important work as well as expand job opportunities in the aquaculture聽and technology sectors in the region.鈥
DMC researchers are helping the state鈥檚 marine fisheries and aquaculture sectors adapt, diversify and grow in response to Maine鈥檚 evolving environmental conditions. They conduct applied research, and work collaboratively with marine industry professionals to develop new value-added marine products and bring them to commercial scale. Current projects include studies of changing environmental conditions on lobster and shellfish as well as industry-led product development and commercialization efforts focused on oysters, glass eels and sugar kelp. DMC and company partners also provide on-the-job training and experience for student interns.
鈥淲ith support from the EDA, the Darling Marine Center will be able to continue to support Maine鈥檚 marine industries and contribute to the creation and retention of jobs that are critical to our local economies and communities,鈥 said Carl Wilson, director of the Bureau of Marine Science at the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
A significant driver for DMC鈥檚 waterfront investment is the recognized need for more space for business incubation and research-industry partnerships. 91福利 scientists and students work closely with industry at DMC and throughout the state.
鈥淩esearch, training and business incubation activities at DMC support the thousands of Mainers engaged in fisheries, marine aquaculture, and other marine-dependent businesses,鈥 noted 91福利 Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation James Ward. This project also will contribute to job retention in Maine鈥檚 marine-based tourism, and natural resource based recreation sectors.
鈥淢aine鈥檚 fisheries and aquaculture professionals depend on healthy coastal and oceans,鈥 said Darling Marine Center Director Heather Leslie. Understanding these connections between people and oceans, and how they are changing is central to our work at the DMC. We thank the delegation and local communities for their support of this important project.鈥
Founded in 1965, the Darling Marine Center is the University of Maine鈥檚 marine laboratory. Its mission is to connect people to the ocean. The center鈥檚 researchers, staff and students work alongside fishermen, aquaculture entrepreneurs, marine industry professionals, and members of the community, in Maine and around the world. More information is available .