Oyster farmers in Maine are utilizing NASA satellite data to identify optimal locations and predict growth rates for shellfish.
Luke Saindon, an oyster farmer in Wiscasset, Maine, used a site-selection tool developed by University of Maine researchers that incorporates NASA satellite maps. This enabled him to identify areas with favorable water temperatures and food levels, which he attributes to faster-than-average oyster growth rates at his farm.
Chris Neigh, the Landsat 8 and 9 project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, highlighted how NASA's Earth science program supports local communities by providing global data for sustainable livelihoods.
A study published January 15 in the journal Aquaculture, led by University of Maine scientists Thomas Kiffney and Damian Brady, details this satellite-based approach. The research combines temperature data from the joint NASA and U.S. Geological Survey Landsat mission with European Sentinel-2 satellite estimates of plankton availability.
The team developed a model that predicts oyster growth based on sea surface temperature and satellite-derived chlorophyll and particulate organic matter. This model can inform farmers about optimal seeding and harvesting times, and expected product yields, thereby reducing financial risk.
Maine's oyster farming industry saw significant growth, increasing from approximately $2.5 million in 2011 to over $10 million in 2021.
Landsat 8 and 9 satellites offer a resolution of 98 to 328 feet (30 to 100 meters), allowing for the detection of subtle temperature differences between coastal coves, which is critical for cold-blooded oysters.
To address frequent overcast conditions in Maine, researchers analyzed a decade of Landsat data (2013-2023) to establish seasonal average temperature patterns. Sentinel-2 imagery provided data on chlorophyll and particulate organic matter, indicators of oyster food sources.
Field tests confirmed the model's accuracy against seven years of historical data.
The University of Maine team is currently developing an online tool for growers to estimate time-to-market for oysters. They also conduct workshops to help farmers interpret and apply satellite data.
This initiative is setting a precedent for future NASA missions, such as the PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite launched in 2024. PACE will provide hyperspectral observations of coastal waters, allowing for the identification of specific plankton species, which can offer more detailed nutritional information for filter feeders and identify potentially harmful plankton.
This ongoing work aims to provide actionable forecasts for those working in aquaculture, reducing uncertainties in coastal farming operations.