BSSC students are enjoying the last couple of days of the "Exploring Maine Aquaculture" module. Focusing on the aquaculture species in the Damariscotta River, for the past two weeks students have been exploring species such as plankton and algae (that are located at the bottom of the food chain) and the mollusks that are farmed in the river and locally. Aquaculture is a growing industry in Maine — BSSC students are taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about the industry with hands-on experiences and conversations with professionals in the field.

On Thursday, July 28, Bigelow Laboratory scientist Dr. Nicole Poulton talked with the students in the Stay’s’l program about the importance of plankton in the Damariscotta River. Using various sized plankton nets, students gathered water samples and performed microscopic analysis.

These past weeks have also brought outstanding weather for sailing and rowing. Accompanied by sunny days, blue skies and varied wind conditions, the Stay’s’l students having been learning how to manage the spinnaker aboard the Center's Sonar keel boats. While tied to the dock, they practice hoisting and gybing maneuvers before taking off to enjoy long runs down the Damariscotta River. In the Mizzen program, students working in small groups are rotating through stations of knot-tying, rowing and sailing aboard the Sonar sailboats and Turnabout dinghies.

This week has brought with it many opportunities for the Center's participants to meet world famous leaders in the boat, sail-making and aquaculture industries. On Tuesday, Hodgdon Yachts design engineer, Kevin Houghton, spoke with students about boat design and construction. Yesterday students found themselves up the river exploring and learning the ins and outs of oyster farming from Dr. Carter Newell (one of the founders of Pemaquid Oyster Company). Today all were privileged to a visit and conversation about sail design and construction with master sailmaker Nathaniel Wilson. Stay tuned for the details.

The Boothbay Sea and Science Center still has openings in the Mizzen, Stay’s’l and Top’s’l programs with classes scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register online, please go to www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org. For more information about the BSSC’s 2016 summer programs, please email info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org or call Pauline Dion at 207-350-5357. And as always, like us on Facebook!