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V O L . X X V I I N O. X X I I I O C T O B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 16 M I D C O A S T / D OW N E A S T M A I N E F O C U S Damariscotta region will become more diffuse. "e future is not just along the Damariscotta River. ere are small oys- ter companies in Casco Bay, Harpswell, Downeast. ey're going to be every- where," Scully says. "It's an industry you're proud to be a part of. It's a healthy industry. It's an environmental industry. It's good for towns and committees to get behind. ere's all kinds of room for growth," Scully says. Scully says the oyster industry is good because harvesters of all sizes can find success, adding "you don't have to be a giant of industry to be successful." Boe Marsh, owner of Community Shellfish in Bremen, says the Damariscotta River is very special because it has the Great Salt Bay above it as the engine for food for the oysters. "It's warm, shallow, and has lots of food and oxygen." Marsh says. "e midcoast, in general, is a great place to grow oysters. e Damariscotta and Medomack Rivers create some of the best oyster growing areas in the world," Marsh says. "e whole area of aquaculture is a newish industry. We need, statewide, more promotion of the Maine oyster in the national and international scene," Marsh says. "If you grow a lot of oysters and can't sell them for enough, then it's all for naught. It needs to be continually promoted and marketed outside. "Aquaculture gives the working waterfront a new role, more opportunities and supplemental ways for fishermen to make money." Je ssic a Hal l, Mainebiz staff w r ite r, can be reached at jhall @ mainebiz.biz ยป C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS A premier vertical building contractor with over 30 years of experience and dedication. www.pmconstruction.com (207) 282-7697 Contact us Hardworking YOUR TEAM IS HARDWORKING, YOU NEED OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES THAT WORK JUST AS HARD. Seven clinic locations in Maine and a range of customizable services provide individual attention and team success. workhealthllc.org 1.844.WRKHLTH(1.844.975.4584) Presque Isle | Bangor | Ellsworth | Pittsfield | Waterville | Portland P H O T O / F R E D F I E L D The Damariscotta River yielded 60% of Maine's oyster harvest in 2020.