NACE/MAS 2026 Wednesday Workshops & Field Trips
Wednesday January 7, 2026
Please join one (or more!) of these exciting workshops and tours to some of the area’s best known aquaculture research and production facilities. All tours will leave from and return to the Holiday Inn by the Bay conference site. Please arrive 15 minutes before the posted departure time to the hotel lobby. Registration for each trip or workshop will be limited, and on a first come basis. These tours are heavily subsidized by the NACE! For details and questions, contact Emily Whitmore.
Be sure to also register for the conference and book your accomodation at the Holiday Inn by the Bay.
All-Day Field Trips
Aquaculture Innovations at the Darling Marine Center: Come learn about the University of Maine and Aquaculture Research Institute’s applied aquaculture research based at the Darling Marine Center. Adam St. Gelais will lead participants through a technology transfer demonstration of a Korean automatic kelp seeding machine, a first of its kind to be used outside of its country of origin. He will also take folks on a tour of the seaweed biobank and photobioreactor lab where UMaine researchers are working to develop the future of seaweed nurseries as well as archiving and safeguarding the genetic diversity of aquacultured seaweeds for the future. Participants will then stop in to see Tom Kiffney and learn about his bay scallop overwintering experiment, and then talk with Spartan Sea Farms and see their tumble culture dulse in the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center business incubator space. On the way home, participants will stop in at Freeport Oyster Bar for lunch.
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM. Location: Darling Marine Center, Walpole, ME. Cost: $30. Detail: Lunch not included in registration costs. Maximum of 14 participants.
A Day at Merrymeeting Shellfish Hatchery & Maine Family Sea Farms: This full day trip starts at Merrymeeting Shellfish Company, where they blend expertise in shellfish, sustainability, and science to run an innovative shellfish seed hatchery. Based in Harpswell, Maine, they use the clean, cold waters of Middle Bay to produce top-quality shellfish seed. Their mission is to support East Coast growers with reliable, high-performance stock that helps drive success. In addition to producing oyster and clam seed, they also cultivate several strains of algae to meet the varying nutritional needs of the shellfish.
Next, participants will join Ken Sparta of Spartan Sea Farms and fellow members of the Maine Family Sea Farm Co-op for a tour through the stunning waters of Casco Bay on their very own workboats. You’ll get an up-close look at how Maine’s best shellfish and kelp are sustainably grown. From there, folks will warm up at Freeport Oyster Bar, where they can sample menu items made from Maine-grown kelp and try some of Maine’s best oysters. It’s the perfect blend of education, adventure, and seriously good seafood. Lunch is not included in field trip costs.
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM Venue: Casco Bay. Cost: $55. Details: A thick coat, warm shoes, and hat will be necessary! The boat is not covered or heated. Maximum of 14 participants.
Casco Bay Sea Farm Boat Tour, Mussels and more!: Bundle up and get out on the water to see Maine’s aquaculture industry up close and personal! We’ll hop on the water taxi right on the Portland waterfront. First stop will be the mussel rafts at Bangs Island Mussel, where we will be able to watch the crew harvesting. Then the Casco Bay Cat will take participants out to visit several sea farms in Casco Bay, where oyster, seaweed, and scallop farms are thriving.
After the boat docks, participants will walk over to Dry Dock for lunch (not included in registration costs), and then will stop in at Bangs Island Mussels processing facility in the afternoon to see how they process freshly harvested mussels.
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Location: Portland Waterfront. Cost: $50. Details: A thick coat, warm shoes, and hat will be necessary! The boat has a cover, but is not heated. Maximum of 49 participants.
Half-Day Workshops & Field Trips
Seaweed 101 Workshop: Curious about seaweed farming? Wondering what this whole “seaweed thing” is about? Join Jaclyn Robidoux, seaweed extension specialist with Maine Sea Grant, to learn and explore the fundamentals of seaweed farming in the Northeast. In this interactive workshop, we’ll cover current species, production methods, required equipment and infrastructure, post-harvest markets, and more. We’ll also discuss key practices of successful seaweed operations and learn about the latest recommendations for getting seaweed from seed to sale. This workshop is open to all and will be useful for researchers, regulators, students, new and developing seaweed operations, and the seaweed curious to gain practical, up-to-date knowledge about domestic seaweed farming.
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Venue: Holiday Inn by the Bay. Cost: $20 Maximum of 40 participants.
Visit the Girard Marine Science Center at the University of New England: The Girard Marine Science Center (GMSC) at the University of New England houses three independent recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) that support hands-on education, applied research, and workforce training in marine biology, environmental science, and sustainable aquaculture. These systems serve as a living laboratory for students and researchers to explore real-world challenges in aquatic animal health, water quality management, and aquaculture innovation. This trip will include a tour of the facility, conversations with researchers in the lab, and viewing of live drone footage of the UNE experimental kelp farm.
Time: 9:30AM – 12:30PM Location: UNE, Biddeford, ME. Cost: $30. Maximum of 14 participants.
Tour and Seaweed Cooking Demo at Atlantic Sea Farms: Join us for a unique and flavorful experience at Atlantic Sea Farms! The event kicks off with an engaging seaweed cooking demonstration led by Chris Bell, Manager at Harbor Fish Market. Chris will guide you through an approachable, seaweed-based recipe that highlights the versatility, nutrition, and flavor of this sustainable superfood — and best of all, you’ll get to enjoy the finished dishes! After the demo, Atlantic Sea Farms’ staff will provide a guided tour of their cutting-edge facility, gaining firsthand insight into the cultivation and processing of seaweed in Maine. Staff will highlight ASF’s expanding processing capabilities designed to support sea farmers across New England and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how this growing industry is creating positive environmental and economic change.
Time: 2:00PM – 5:00PM. Location: Atlantic Sea Farms, Biddeford, ME. Cost: $100. Details: The tour will take place in a working and sometimes wet environment so long pants and closed-toed, waterproof shoes make for a safe and comfortable experience. Maximum of 14 participants.
Farm Design, Siting, and Cost of Production for Seaweed and Shellfish: An interactive workshop with Kelson Marine’s aquaculture engineers. This will include taking input from farmers, what-if-questions, and running them through recently developed techno-economic analysis tools to quantitatively examine how farm design, siting factors, and operational decisions affect cost of production.
Time: 1 PM – 3 PM. Location: Kelson Marine Co., Portland, ME. Cost: $40. Maximum of 20 participants.
Visit FlowCam: FlowCam is a high-speed flow imaging microscope used to capture, count, and classify shellfish larvae, harmful algae, and other particles of interest. Whether you’re a FlowCam user or someone who has always wanted to learn more about this technique, join us for a field trip to the FlowCam headquarters in Scarborough, Maine! During our visit, you’ll have the opportunity to see FlowCam in action, interact with the FlowCam team, and see where FlowCam is manufactured—all under one roof. Lunch will also be provided.
Time: 12:00PM – 2:00PM. Location: FlowCam, Scarborough, ME. Cost: $30. Detail: Lunch provided courtesy of FlowCam. Maximum of 14 participants.
Introduction to Marine Electrification: SHRED Electric is excited to host a special Marine Electrification Workshop in collaboration with the New England Ocean Cluster (NEOC) during NACE.
SHRED Electric, a leader in sustainable aquaculture technology, is showcasing its solutions at the NEOC Hus. The workshop will feature a training session on electrifying sea farms, focusing on our solar Oyster Barge and all-electric equipment that replaces gasoline and diesel generators. Attendees will also be able to see our self-powered ShredCube™ refrigeration units. This event will demonstrate how this technology can help businesses achieve carbon neutrality while increasing operational efficiency and long-term savings.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to learn from industry pioneers and see firsthand how SHRED Electric makes carbon-neutral aquaculture a reality.
Time: 2:00PM – 4:00PM. Location: The Hus, New England Ocean Cluster. Cost: NONE. Maximum of 24 participants.
Aquaculture Tech Open Hús: Let’s talk innovation. At the Aquaculture Tech Open Hús, you’ll meet the pioneering companies and people redefining how seafood is grown, harvested, and brought to market. From Shred Electric’s farm electrification and zero-emission workboats to SEAPA’s innovative shellfish farming systems and OceanFarmr’s digital management tools, this session is all about the technologies driving a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient industry.
Guests will enjoy oysters and refreshments while exploring hands-on demonstrations and tradeshow-style exhibits, with opportunities to connect directly with the people shaping modern-day aquaculture operations. The event is proudly hosted at the Hús by the New England Ocean Cluster and University of Southern Maine’s Office of Commercialization.
Time: 3:00PM – 5:00PM. Location: The Hús, New England Ocean Cluster. Cost: NONE. Maximum of 75 participants.
Electric Workboat Demo off Maine Wharf: Join us for a free 15-minute ride on SHRED Electric’s New Maine Skiff! This is a 26 foot aluminum skiff built in Maine and powered by a Flux Marine 115hp electric outboard. Timeslots will be assigned after sign-ups via email.
Time: Every 15 minutes between 3:00PM – 4:30PM. Location: Maine Wharf, Portland Waterfront. Cost: NONE. Details: If you are signed up for the Aquaculture Tech Open Hús, the boat demos are launching right outside. Feel free to pair these two events.
Economics in action: Empowering aquaculture farms through business planning and financial management: Are you ready to take your aquaculture business to the next level? This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for U.S. aquaculture producers looking to strengthen the financial health and long-term success of their operations. This workshop will cover:
- Business planning
- Farm financial management
- Insurance (Liability & USDA Whole Farm Revenue)
- Disaster Assistance (USDA NAP & ELAP)
- Loans & lines of credit
- Strategic Marketing
Presentations will be given by aquaculture economists, government agency representatives, and private service providers. Economics topics will be accompanied by worksheets and exercises to improve understanding and retention; with exercises designed to allow participants to use their own experiences and businesses to approach and understand the subject matter. The workshop will also introduce existing tools and resources for the U.S. Join us and invest in the future of your farm.
Time: 1:00PM – 5:00PM Venue: Holiday Inn by the Bay. Cost: NONE. Maximum of 25 participants.
Building Strength, Building Skills, Building Community: The Maine Women and Non-binary in Aquaculture Network is teaming up with Women of the Water and Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) to host a Wednesday workshop at NACE! Join us for an afternoon of knowledge sharing, hands-on skills sessions, and small group discussions with fantastic folks. Snacks and refreshments provided. All are welcome!
Time: 2:00PM – 5:00PM Venue: Holiday Inn by the Bay. Cost: NONE. Maximum of 100 participants.
Northeast Aquaculture Extension Network: The Northeast Aquaculture Extension Network (NAEN) is a group of extension professionals (land grant, sea grant, and other) that connect through networking events, an email listserv, professional development trainings, and mentoring. Our goal is to create a broad network of professional extension agents to tackle issues of regional importance to the aquaculture community. Join us as we connect over shared challenges and opportunities facing our profession in the Northeast. We will use this opportunity to create new connections, strengthen existing ones, and build potential for new regional collaborations in the future. Hope to see you there! Please email zachary.gordon@uconn.edu with any questions.
Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM Location: Holiday Inn by the Bay. Cost: NONE.