PORTLAND, Maine - A marketing report released by a marine science institute finds that Maine's shellfish aquaculture industry is in a position to grow in value by a factor of more than four in the coming years.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute released the report on Wednesday. It states that Maine's aquaculture industry currently provides about $6.5 million in value and has the opportunity to grow to more $30 million by 2030.
The report says the largest areas for potential growth in Maine are oyster, mussel and scallop farming. The state's shellfish aquaculture industry currently represents a little less than 1 percent of oyster, mussel and scallop production in the U.S.
The Hale Group prepared the report at the institute's direction. The Massachusetts firm provides strategy and marketing in the food and agribusiness sectors.