Explore Maine’s Marine Economy

Click here to read the Maine Department of Education’s coverage of their visit.

Explore Maine's Marine Economy Camp for high school students ended their week with a site visit from Commissioner Pender Makin; Mary Herman, Special Projects; and Marcus Mrowka, Director of Communication at the Maine Department of Education. They enjoyed clamming in Turkey Cove with our campers. Thanks to a Summer 2023 Costal Science & Marine Trades Initiative Grant, student were able to attend this camp for free.

Program highlights included riding on a commercial lobster boat, kayaking to an oyster farm, and clamming at Turkey Cove.

Herring Gut’s mission is to educate students and communities about the connections between the ocean, inland waters, and economy of Maine. We accomplish this with hands-on, place-based stewardship education in the classroom, virtually, and outdoors. While learning that upstream changes have downstream effects in their watershed, participants gain knowledge, tools, and local connections to develop a strong scientific and leadership voice.

We impact students from Pre-K through post high school as well as adults. Flowing from Fresh to Salt is our overarching curriculum theme that illustrates the relationship between freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. The connection helps people to understand the impact our ecosystems have on the environment, and subsequently the economy of Maine, so that they will be prepared for a sustainable future.

We are grateful to Governor Mills and the Department of Education for their generous support.