On the Cover

Photo by Nic Blouin

University of Maine researchers are experimenting with the use of nori nets to farm native species of Porphyra umbilicalis. Here, 4-week-old germlings appear as dark red speckles on the net filaments. The germlings will grow to commercially viable blades within several months. UMaine marine biologists are studying environmental cues that affect reproduction in Maine's native red algae species in order to control net seeding. In particular, they are examining an asexual reproductive pathway in P. umbilicalis to determine if blades can be produced in a manner that is more cost effective for commercial production.