ROCKLAND — The Rockland Public Library presents Annie Fagan and Jaclyn Robidoux, Thursday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all.

Jaclyn Robidoux and Annie Fagan, marine extension associates from the Maine Sea Grant program, will take you through the past, present and future of Maine's oyster farming story. They’ll share the history of Wabanaki shellfish harvesters, discuss today's thriving oyster aquaculture industry, and give insights into innovations coming down the pipeline. Robidoux and Fagan will cover growing techniques, Maine farmers, sustainability, tourism - and answer questions you may have about Maine oysters and aquaculture.

As a member of the Marine Extension Team, Robidoux focuses on the development of the seaweed sector in Maine, with an emphasis on sustainable production, post-harvest processing, and product development. Her work provides support for coastal communities through outreach education, technology transfer programs, and by coordinating stakeholders around Maine’s seaweed resources. Robidoux’s background in technical seaweed aquaculture research helps to link ongoing applied research with industry capacity and opportunities, to foster robust and sustainable working waterfronts along Maine’s coast.

Fagan joined Maine Sea Grant as the Maine Aquaculture Hub Coordinator and a marine extension associate in 2023. Based at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole, Fagan supports the planning, development and implementation of the Maine Aquaculture Hub, a collaborative network that strives to situate aquaculture as a diversifying and strengthening industry for coastal economies. The Hub network and its steering committee partners work together to address barriers through workforce development and professional training, create programming to support innovation, and conduct aquaculture outreach programs. In addition, in her general work as an extension associate, Fagan pursues various education, outreach and research initiatives to promote sustainable use and development of the region’s marine and coastal resources.

This event will take place in the Community Room and will be livestreamed via Zoom; the Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St.

For more information or for Zoom links, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov by 4 p.m. on May 30.