Oysters and Urchins in Maine Aquaculture

Urchins are natural grazers of biofouling organisms, which significantly impact oyster farm labor and gear maintenance. By integrating urchins into oyster grow-out systems, farmers may reduce biofouling, enhance oyster growth, and cultivate urchins as a secondary market crop. The study investigates survivorship and growth under varying environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, gear type), aiming to identify whether polyculture can improve outcomes for both species while promoting a more resilient, diversified aquaculture model.