CENTRAL MAINE • June 19, 2025
Kelly Morgan and Matt Czuchra are current and former apprentices, respectively, in the country’s first — and only — registered aquaculture apprenticeship program. Maine has, for years, been campaigning to be the leader in the country’s aquaculture industry. In 2022, the state became the top U.S. producer of farmed kelp, harvesting just under 1 million pounds. Maine’s water-based farmers also raise shellfish, fish and other types of seaweed. But like many employers in the state, aquaculture farmers struggle to find consistent help. Farm owners and labor officials hope this program can help attract, train and retain more aquaculture workers. And they hope Maine can set a model to continue leading the way.