Blue Economy

The Next Horizon For Maine’s Marine and Coastal Economy and Communities

Blue Tide Rising

The University of Maine plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of Maine’s Blue Economy by aligning education, research, and industry needs to help Maine achieve global leadership in the Blue Economy.

What is the Blue Economy?

Our Contributions

Research & Education

Student Involvement

Industry Collaboration

Get Involved

Meet the Researchers

News

What is the Blue Economy?

Maine defines the Blue Economy as a “sustainable and equitable ocean economy that optimizes innovation to expand economic opportunities in our coastal communities and to solve pressing societal needs. It is grounded in Maine’s unique marine heritage, research expertise, and location.”

Maine’s commercial fisheries, including lobster, groundfish, and shellfish, have long been the backbone of the state’s coastal economy. Management practices and technological advancements, help ensure that our fisheries continue to thrive for future generations

Maine is a leader in aquaculture, with growing industries in shellfish, seaweed, and finfish farming. Aquaculture supports seafood production, strengthens coastal communities, and provides research and innovation opportunities in marine science and food systems.

Advancements in marine biotechnology are unlocking new solutions in medicine, food production, and aquaculture practices. From bio-based materials to pharmaceuticals derived from marine organisms, this sector harnesses Maine’s marine resources for cutting-edge innovation.

Maine is pioneering novel energy research and technologies. These investments in marine-based energy solutions help drive economic growth in coastal communities.

Shipping, boatbuilding, and maritime logistics play a crucial role in Maine’s Blue Economy. Investments in innovative shipping practices and port initiatives, as well as modernized transportation infrastructure are critical to ensuring a competitive maritime sector.

Maine’s research institutions and marine industries rely on advanced ocean data technologies to track changes, support fisheries, and enhance maritime safety. From autonomous underwater vehicles to satellite-based tracking, ocean data is key to protecting and understanding our marine resources.

Efforts in shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, and infrastructure resilience are essential components of coastal resilience. Maine is leading the way in coastal management through research-informed solutions and policy development.

Maine’s coastline attracts millions of visitors annually, supporting a wide range of coastal businesses. From fishing and boating charters to coastal hospitality, thoughtful tourism practices foster economic opportunity while ensuring that Maine’s coastal beauty remains for future generations.

From hybrid marine vessels to port electrification, engineering innovations in energy efficiency and clean power adoption are moving Maine’s maritime industries forward. These efforts contribute to long-term economic and environmental resilience.

Maine’s commercial fisheries, including lobster, groundfish, and shellfish, have long been the backbone of the state’s coastal economy. Management practices and technological advancements, help ensure that our fisheries continue to thrive for future generations

Maine is a leader in aquaculture, with growing industries in shellfish, seaweed, and finfish farming. Aquaculture supports seafood production, strengthens coastal communities, and provides research and innovation opportunities in marine science and food systems.

Advancements in marine biotechnology are unlocking new solutions in medicine, food production, and aquaculture practices. From bio-based materials to pharmaceuticals derived from marine organisms, this sector harnesses Maine’s marine resources for cutting-edge innovation.

Maine is pioneering novel energy research and technologies. These investments in marine-based energy solutions help drive economic growth in coastal communities.

Shipping, boatbuilding, and maritime logistics play a crucial role in Maine’s Blue Economy. Investments in innovative shipping practices and port initiatives, as well as modernized transportation infrastructure are critical to ensuring a competitive maritime sector.

Maine’s research institutions and marine industries rely on advanced ocean data technologies to track changes, support fisheries, and enhance maritime safety. From autonomous underwater vehicles to satellite-based tracking, ocean data is key to protecting and understanding our marine resources.

Efforts in shoreline stabilization, habitat restoration, and infrastructure resilience are essential components of coastal resilience. Maine is leading the way in coastal management through research-informed solutions and policy development.

Maine’s coastline attracts millions of visitors annually, supporting a wide range of coastal businesses. From fishing and boating charters to coastal hospitality, thoughtful tourism practices foster economic opportunity while ensuring that Maine’s coastal beauty remains for future generations.

From hybrid marine vessels to port electrification, engineering innovations in energy efficiency and clean power adoption are moving Maine’s maritime industries forward. These efforts contribute to long-term economic and environmental resilience.

Student Involvement

Students play a critical role in shaping the future of Maine’s Blue Economy. Through research assistantships, internships, and hands-on learning experiences, UMaine students contribute to cutting-edge projects in marine science, aquaculture, ocean engineering, and more.

Opportunities for students:

Yaretzi Moncayo: From Baja to Maine – Scallops, Science, and Two-Eyed Seeing

Tyler Lissy: Centering Local Voices in Arctic Policy and Sustainable Development

Read More Profiles

Yaretzi Moncayo: From Baja to Maine – Scallops, Science, and Two-Eyed Seeing

Tyler Lissy: Centering Local Voices in Arctic Policy and Sustainable Development

Read More Profiles

A photo of two people on a boat off the Maine coast
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Industry Collaboration

We’re working with industry across Blue Economy sectors to accelerate innovation, boost economic development, create jobs, and build a resilient, thriving future for Maine’s marine industries and communities.

Marin Skincare

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American Unagi

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Luke’s Lobster

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Bath Iron Works

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Marin Skincare

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American Unagi

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Luke’s Lobster

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Bath Iron Works

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Get Involved

Maine’s Blue Economy is growing fast with opportunities for all. 

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Meet the Researchers

Our team of researchers is leading groundbreaking work in ocean science, technology, and policy. From fisheries and aquaculture experts to engineers developing next-generation marine monitoring systems, meet the people driving Maine’s Blue Economy forward.

See Full List

Featured Researchers:

  • Experts in seafood production and fisheries science
  • Engineers developing new energy solutions
  • Marine ecologists focused on understanding our marine ecosystems
  • Scientists specializing in ocean data
Featured Researcher

James Bryce

James R. Bryce is the Senior Program Manager at the University of Maine’s Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center (TIDC), where he oversees initiatives aimed at enhancing the longevity and resilience of…
LEARN MORE James Bryce