Embark on a transformative journey with our mariculture certificate program tailored for individuals aspiring to build a successful career in shellfish or sea vegetable farming and entrepreneurship. The program is designed to equip participants with a diverse set of skills, providing a solid foundation for thriving in the industry.

The Mariculture Certificate program is structured into two 10-week semesters followed by an internship, allowing students to complete the program in less than six months. Each semester combines evening online classes—held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.—with Saturday hands-on sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These practical sessions include field trips, activities at the Center for Professional Mariner Development in Bucksport, and boat-handling training at Maine Maritime Academy’s Castine Waterfront.

New Scholarship Opportunity for Mariculture Certificate Program

We are excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity for students enrolled in the Mariculture Certificate Program! Eligible applicants can receive up to $1000 per semester to support their education in this growing field.

Don’t miss out on this chance to advance your career in mariculture. To apply for the scholarship, please email Debra Kingston at debra.kingston@mma.edu for an application.

Program Overview

Semester 1

Dates: January 5, 2026 – March 14, 2026 (10 weeks)
Class Days: Mondays & Wednesdays

Mondays (Zoom, 7–9 PM):

• Introduction to Mariculture
• Fundamentals of Mariculture Business & Entrepreneurship

Wednesdays (Zoom, 7–9 PM):

• Biology and Ecology of Mariculture Species

Saturdays (Field/Hands-On Activities, 9 AM–1 PM):

• 5 Saturdays total:
  • 2 field trips
  • 3 days at the Center for Professional Mariner Development (Bucksport)

Semester 2

Dates: April 6, 2026 – June 13, 2026 (10 weeks)
Class Days: Mondays & Wednesdays

Mondays (Zoom, 7–9 PM):

• Basics of Oceanography for Mariculture
• Site Selection / Regulations & Permits for Mariculture: What, How, and Why

Wednesdays (Zoom, 7–9 PM):

• Small Boat Handling and Seamanship
• Vessels, Machinery, and Husbandry for Oysters, Mussels, Scallops, and Kelp

Saturdays (Field/Hands-On Activities, 9 AM–1 PM):

• Boat handling at MMA’s Castine Waterfront

Note: Modules can be taken individually, however, all modules are required to receive Mariculture certificate.

Prerequisites

• Access to computer and internet connectivity for Zoom classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings
• Proficiency in high school math
• Basic computer skills

Program Cost

• The cost is $2,000 per semester, totaling $4,000.
• The internship, incurs no additional charge.

Program Highlights

• Acquire the essential skills for thriving in the shellfish or sea vegetable farming industry, or kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in this field.
• Develop expertise in the safe operation, navigation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of vessels.
• Master the intricacies of forming and managing a business, covering aspects such as bookkeeping, capital raising, and crafting a comprehensive business plan.
• Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of bivalve invertebrates and marine macroalgae through our comprehensive program. Explore the biology, physiology, and ecology of these organisms, unraveling the factors influencing their growth, yield, and interactions with predators and competitors.
• Dive into the critical aspects of marine environments, from understanding water currents and their significance to exploring mooring systems, primary production controls, red tides, bacteria, sediments, waves, and boundary layers.
• Learn how to obtain permits from regulatory bodies such as the state, Fish and Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers, and more. Navigate the process of securing a lease and receive training in HACCP methods while developing your own HACCP plan.
• Hone the skill of evaluating potential lease sites using tools like current meters, CTOs, video, and water samples, ensuring you find the optimal location for your farm.
• Gain knowledge on retrofitting existing vessels or constructing custom vessels for mariculture operations, covering necessary machinery, basic hydraulic motors, and systems.
• Enhance your earning potential through valuable credentials and hands-on experience or take the entrepreneurial route.
• Experience the industry firsthand by visiting commercial operations and witnessing the processes in action.

Register Now

Instructor – Carter Newell

Carter Newell, a seasoned professional with 40 years of experience in shellfish aquaculture, has dedicated his career to farming mussels and oysters. As a pioneer in Maine’s shellfish aquaculture industry, he holds a master’s degree in Oceanography from the University of Maine Darling Marine Center and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the University of New Brunswick. In his current role as President and Managing Member of Pemaquid Oyster Company and Pemaquid Mussel Farms, Carter oversees operations generating an impressive $1.5 million in annual sales.

Carter is a founding member of the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, actively contributing to the Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) at UM, Maine Technology Institute, and Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development. Playing a key role in the successful $20 million NSF SEANET proposal, Carter supports aquaculture development in Alaska, aiding the first kelp hatchery and the Alaska Mariculture Development plan.