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Fisherman Babe Stanley and his son Shain have been working on a novel piece of equipment, a submersible mussel
raft, to pursue their interests in growing mussels
in Downeast Maine. Extension Associate Dana Morse
helped by obtaining funding from Maine Sea Grant
to do some scale modeling of the proposed system.
John Riley of the University of Maine directed the
modeling work, which was performed in conjunction
with Roger Fleming of the Conservation Law Foundation
(CLF), who represents several residents of the Sullivan
area.
When Stanley originally applied for his shellfish
lease for mussels and scallops, there was strong
opposition to the plan because the proposed site
was in the middle of a popular and well-used regatta
route. As the opposing parties talked about the problem,
the topic of a submerged raft arose, and it seemed
to be an acceptable solution to all. With the technology
being completely new and untested, scale modeling
seemed to be a wise option, and such tests were eventually
conducted at the Tow Tank Facility at the University
of Maine.
The tests proved to be promising and were witnessed,
at times, by engineers, fishermen, aquaculturists,
staff from Maine Department of Marine Resources and
CLF, equipment suppliers, and others. The collaboration
between industry, scientists, and area residents
appears to be continuing, as funding for a half-scale
field trial is being sought, and supported, by all
parties.
For more information, contact Dana
Morse.
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