PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 17, 2026
American Unagi — the first-of-its-kind Waldoboro aquaculture business that grew elvers into full-sized eels — has shuttered, at least for the time being. About a dozen fisherman who netted glass eels for the company last spring are owed thousands of dollars each, according to court records. The business filed for bankruptcy in federal court for the District of Maine in September 2025 and remained in operation as it looked for a new owner to keep the company afloat. Bidders showed “meaningful interest” in the company, founder and CEO Sara Rademaker told elver fishers in an email last week. But nothing materialized.