Aquaculture

Type of degree: B.S.

Brief overview of program: Come to UMaine to "immerse" yourself in aquaculture, the science and business of producing aquatic organisms useful to humans. Students majoring in aquaculture learn to apply biological, physical and business management principles to solve problems encountered with the production, processing, marketing, and management of aquatic plants and animals. Students from CT, MA, and VT who major in Aquaculture at UMaine may be eligible for reduced tuition through the New England Regional Student Program.

Website: Click here for program website

Number of students enrolled in 2007: 130

Where do most of the students go upon graduating or leaving the program?
Continue Education: 30% | Enter Workforce: 50% | Do not know: 20%

Description of Facilities: On campus in Orono, Maine we have the Aquaculture Research Center (ARC) with recirculating, artificial seawater. Research projects at this facility have included lobsters, tropical fish, shellfish and Cod (to name a few). In Franklin, Maine the University owns the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR). This facility currently focuses on Halibut, Atlatic Salmon, Sea Urchins, marine worms and algae. The Darling Marine Center (http://www.dmc.maine.edu/) is the marine laboratory of the University of Maine and the site of world renowned marine research. Located in the small town of Walpole, 60 miles northeast of Portland and 100 miles south of the University's Orono campus, the DMC functions year round to support UMaine faculty and students, as well as visiting investigators from across the country and around the world. DMC faculty belong to the University of Maine's School of Marine Sciences where over 50 faculty represent the largest group of marine scientists in Maine. Current research directions at the DMC include: invertebrate biology • invertebrate taxonomy • marine ecology • deep-sea biology • optical oceanography • phytoplankton physiology • remote sensing • microbial ecology • biogeochemistry • marine archaeology • shellfish aquaculture The Darling Marine Center has a fleet of small boats for sampling and SCUBA related research. Our coastal research vessel is the 42' Ira C. The Ira C. is equipped with an eleven foot articulating A-frame, extensive sampling gear, and can carry up to 24 students. The DMC has a cascade system for filling SCUBA tanks and a full-time dive safety officer. AAUS standards are followed a the DMC. The Darling Marine Center is also where we offer our in-residence Semester-by-the-Sea program (http://www.dmc.maine.edu/sbs.html).

Program Point of Contact: Dr. William Ellis

Email: william.ellis@umit.maine.edu

Department: School of Marine Sciences

Institution address: University of Maine 360 Aubert Hall
                             Orono,ME 04469-5706

Phone: 207-581-4360