Panel 2: Beyond the Shore: Seaweed Innovation & Maine’s Blue Economy

Time: 1:00 pm–2:00 pm, Saturday, April 25th

Location: The Cohen Center, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, ME

Description: From bioplastics to cosmetics to agricultural applications, seaweed is fueling an exciting new wave of innovation in Maine’s coastal economy. But this momentum didn’t happen overnight—Maine has a long history of working with and innovating around seaweed, from traditional harvesting to ahead-of-its-time product development. Today, local businesses and entrepreneurs are building on that legacy, tapping into decades of knowledge to create cutting-edge materials and products right here in Maine. This panel brings those innovators together to share what’s happening on the ground now—and what’s next for Maine’s growing blue economy.

Hear from expert panelists to learn about:

• How is seaweed being used in surprising products like plastics, supplements, and cosmetics?
• What makes seaweed a sustainable alternative to traditional materials?
• What role is Maine playing in the growth of the blue economy?

Seaweed Saturday Panels

Join us during Seaweed Saturday, a free, all-ages celebration of seaweed on Portland’s working waterfront, for a series of engaging panel discussions featuring some of Maine’s leading voices in seaweed science, industry, and innovation.

Hosted in the Cohen Center at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, these 60-minute panels highlight topics that are shaping Maine’s seaweed sector—from food and nutrition to cutting-edge product development and ocean restoration.

Panels are free to attend, but space is limited and pre-registration is recommended. Whether you’re new to seaweed or already a fan, these conversations offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from the people driving Maine’s seaweed moment.