Kyle Pepperman

Kyle Pepperman Image
Location of Interview
Collection Name

Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Description

Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019 is a project of Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, and the Island Institute, with support from the Maine Fishermen’s Forum Board of Directors.

Date of Interview
02-28-2019
Transcribers

Eliza Oldach

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Kyle Pepperman, a marine biologist at the Downeast Institute (DEI) in Jonesboro, ME. He specializes in shellfish cultivation, with a focus on growing blue mussels and clams. With expertise in hatchery techniques, he explores innovative approaches to improve clam management practices and promote sustainable aquaculture in Eastern Maine.

Scope and Content Note

Kyle Pepperman talks about the work of DEI, his experience there from summer intern to now more than a decade of employment, how hatcheries could help vulnerable shellfish populations, and his hopes for the future of aquaculture in Maine. Additionally, he discusses the potential of hatchery-reared blue mussels as a new industry in Maine, aiming to provide a more reliable and sustainable source of mussels for farmers. Pepperman talks about the challenges of predation and the decline of softshell clams in certain areas due to factors like green crabs and milky ribbon worms. He emphasizes the importance of aquaculture and hopes for greater acceptance and education in the industry, encouraging towns to offer residents opportunities for intertidal farming.


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