Maine opinion poll indicates robust local support for aquaculture

A new poll indicates robust support among Maine voters for the state’s growing aquaculture industry, highlighting its importance to the local economy and coastal communities.

The survey, conducted as part of the Fall 2024 Critical Insights on Maine tracking study, showed that 80% of respondents familiar with aquaculture support its growth, a trend consistent over the past four years.

“Aquaculture in Maine is helping to keep our working waterfronts working and fishermen on the water,” said Sebastian Belle, executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, in a press release. “Mainers value high-quality, local seafood, and they support the people and the industry that make that food possible.”

Aquaculture is an increasingly important source of income for coastal communities in the state. The Maine Aquaculture Association points out that many Maine fishermen are integrating aquaculture into their livelihoods, with over 170 commercial fishing license holders also holding aquaculture licenses. This dual approach allows them to expand their skills and equipment use while staying active on the water, Belle said.

The survey results suggest local people value aquaculture’s role in strengthening Maine’s economy, with 86% of respondents familiar with aquaculture agreeing it helps preserve working waterfronts and diversifies the economic base of coastal and rural areas.

“The growth of aquaculture doesn’t just mean better access to seafood – it means new careers, new businesses and a stronger Maine economy overall,” said Andrea Cianchette Maker, President of FocusMaine, which sponsored the survey.  “Maine’s aquaculture farmers work hard to produce locally grown, delicious, nutritional food, and it’s clear that Maine residents recognize and support their efforts."

The poll also highlighted voter confidence in the sustainability and quality of Maine aquaculture products, with 82% of respondents saying they viewed aquaculture as a vital part of the local food system. A similar percentage said they believed Maine’s aquaculture products meet high standards for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Looking ahead, 83% of respondents expressed support for the expansion of aquaculture in Maine, according to the poll.

This support aligns with a broader focus on reducing reliance on imported seafood, which accounts for 85% of U.S. seafood consumption, Belle noted. By promoting domestic aquaculture, Belle pointed out, Maine contributes to reducing carbon emissions from imports while offering fresh, locally produced seafood.

“Maine farmed seafood is renowned for its quality. Maine aquaculture products are required to meet some of the highest environmental and food safety standards in the world, ensuring they are safe, sustainable and responsibly grown. Over three-quarters of respondents believe that aquaculture products are sustainable, environmentally responsible and delicious,” Belle said.

“As we look to the future, the support of Mainers will continue to be essential in ensuring that aquaculture grows responsibly and contributes to our state’s resilience.”

The Critical Insights on Maine tracking survey, conducted by Digital Research, Inc., is a long-standing public opinion poll of registered Maine voters, providing insights on a variety of topics for over 25 years.

The Fall 2024 survey gathered responses from 604 participants via phone and online, ensuring a representative sample reflective of Maine's voting population. Results specific to the Maine aquaculture sector were drawn from proprietary questions included in the survey and have a margin of error of ±4.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.