Date of Award
7-2021
Rights
© 2021 Samuel Feldman
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Professional Science Master's (PSM) In Ocean Food Systems
Department
Marine Science
First Advisor
Adam St. Gelais
Second Advisor
Barry Costa-Pierce
Third Advisor
Susie Arnold
Fourth Advisor
Dan Devereaux
Abstract
This study identified oyster farming practices that have the potential to increase the sustainability of Maine’s oyster industry while increasing its value. Practices aligned with the principles of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture were gleaned from semi-structured interviews and surveys of oyster farmers and their buyers. Themes from interview transcripts were developed using thematic analysis. Survey data was used to triangulate interview transcript data. As a result, sustainable oyster farming practices were identified that had direct and indirect connections to the value of Maine’s oysters. Practices with direct connections to increased oyster value included conducting and advertising actions of increased stewardship in the coastal areas around farms. Practices with indirect connections to increased oyster value included 1) monitoring water quality to prevent exceeding production carrying capacity, and 2) involving a broader spectrum of community members as stakeholders in planning oyster aquaculture development at all scales.
Preferred Citation
Feldman, Samuel. 2021. Adding value through sustainability: Incentivizing an ecosystem approach to oyster aquaculture in Maine. Graduate Program in Ocean Foods Systems, University of New England, Maine, USA.
Author permission for DUNE placement.
Comments
Professional Science Masters Thesis
Advisors St. Gelais and Costa-Pierce are UNE faculty members; advisor Moreno-Baez is with Tufts University; advisor Arnold is with Island Institute; advisor Devereaux is with Mere Point Oyster Company.