MLA Business Member Spotlight: Acadian Seaplants Maine

Jake Patryn grew up in Jonesboro, where he lobsters and also operates a kelp

aquaculture farm. In addition, he manages Acadian Seaplants Maine, a branch

of the international Canadian company Acadian Seaplants.

Patryn’s occupations have always been linked to the ocean and, from his perspective, it simply makes sense to become an MLA business member. “We all

have our own challenges and we should all be supporting each other,” he said.

Acadian Seaplants Maine employs people to harvest wild rockweed throughout the Maine coast. Th e seaweed is processed in Canada for use in a variety of items, everything from animal feed and farm products to personal cosmetic items. Harvesting takes place primarily in the Hancock and Washington county areas.

Wild-harvested seaweed is a growing business in Maine. Department of Marine

Resources landing figures show that pounds landed in the state annually have grown from slightly more than 15 million in 2019 to 19.8 million in 2023. According to Patryn, Acadian Seaplant Maine harvesters collect rockweed either by hand, using a specially designed tool that cuts then rakes the seaweed, or via a mechanical harvester which uses a hydraulic cutter and pump system to gather the rockweed. Th e seaweed is cut above the state-mandated cutting height and less than 20% of harvesting area is removed annually, which allows beds to recover rapidly.

Patryn believes that organizations like the MLA and others involved in Maine’s

fishing economy are all facing their specific issues and need to communicate well in order to help each other out when necessary. “Everyone has their own particular battle yet all the fisheries have a lot of similarities. For one thing, everyone knows a lot about their own part of the coast. We are in a way experts,” he said. “We all respect the ocean. Collectively we all benefit when we work together.”

Acadian Seaplants Maine

1244 US Route 1

Jonesboro, ME 04648

207-479-1571

infomaine@acadian.ca