ST. GEORGE —The St. George Business Alliance (SGBA) invites its members and local residents to a presentation titled “Aquaculture in Penobscot Bay and Beyond” by Merritt Carey, a founding member of the Maine Aquaculture Co-op, on Tuesday evening, March 19, at 5 p.m. at the St. George Town Office. Rescheduled from November 2018, the presentation is open to the public.

“Increasingly,” said Carey, “aquaculture is on the minds of those living in Maine’s coastal communities. We invite you to hear about industry developments, successes and challenges—on both the operational and market fronts—from local aquaculturists who are pioneering the way to a more diversified economy along our shoreline.”

Carey will speak about the co-op model for aquaculture and the scallops being grown in Penobscot Bay. Her panel of will include: Sara Radamaker, a Tenants Harbor resident recognized for her work with American Unagi, a Maine-based glass eel aqua farming endeavor; Karen Cooper, a kelp grower on North Haven Island; and Briana Warner, CEO of Ocean Approved. Speakers will gladly answer questions about the Co-op, how Maine fishermen are using aquaculture as an income diversifying strategy, and other topics.

The Maine Aquaculture Co-op is Maine’s first aquaculture cooperative, with a board and membership comprised of Maine fishermen and aquaculturists. It seeks to expand Maine’s seafood-producing industries through the thoughtful integration of fishing and farming, to diversify income opportunities for Maine fishermen, maintain a robust working waterfront, and strengthen our coastal communities. By working cooperatively, Co-op members are better able to solve technical issues, share best practices and resources, and leverage buying and marketing power.

Currently, the Co-op has member farms in Tenants Harbor, Spruce Head, Stonington, and North Haven, with several more planning to come online in Penobscot Bay in 2019.

The SGBA is a local non-profit association of businesses, individuals, civic and non-profit organizations whose mission is to promote business and cultural prosperity in St. George.

As part of that mission, the Alliance strives to educate residents and visitors about the importance of commercial fishing in our St George villages.

Please call SGBA secretary Rosemary Limmen at (207) 372-8102 with questions or contact SGBA via email at stgba2012@gmail.com or at www.stgeorgebusinessalliance.com.