We have always believed in being honest about what oyster farming in Maine actually looks like — including the parts that are hard. That is why we were glad to be included in a recent Civil Eats article exploring how warming waters are reshaping aquaculture in the Gulf of Maine.
The Challenge of Invasive Sea Squirts
The Civil Eats piece focuses on the rising presence of invasive sea squirts in Maine’s coastal waters. These fast-growing organisms thrive in warming water temperatures. They cling to oyster gear and dramatically increase the biomass farmers have to manage.
We first encountered this challenge in our 2020 season. Flipping oyster cages — a critical step in preventing biofouling and promoting healthy shell growth — became significantly more difficult with sea squirts attached to the gear. It added time, weight, and complexity to work that is already demanding.
Resilience Is Part of the Job
As farmers on the sea, we adapt constantly. The conditions in Casco Bay shift every season. Climate change is accelerating that pace of change. Features like this one matter because they bring public attention to challenges that Maine’s oyster farmers face quietly every day.
We are proud to be part of this conversation. We are also proud to invite guests out on the water to see it firsthand. Our oyster farm tours in Yarmouth, Maine offer a real look at sustainable aquaculture — the beauty of it, and the work behind it.