Annual Meeting 2018 Recap

October 24, 2018 | Bigelow Laboratory | East Boothbay, ME

The Gulf of Maine Marine Education Association (GOMMEA) held its Annual Meeting, “SEAWEED: Physiology & Flavor” in Boothbay Harbor on October 24. Hosted at Bigelow Laboratory, attendees enjoyed the guest presentation by Tollef Olson, President of Ocean’s Balance who showed us his culinary seaweed treats. We tried soup (see Kelp-Infused Roasted Tomato Soup recipe here), smoothies (see Mixed Berry and Kelp Smoothie recipe here), and seaweed sprinkles to name a few. We also enjoyed some appetizers from East Boothbay General Store and assorted local beer donated by Portsmouth Brewery, Foulmouthed Brewing, and Rising Tide.

Throughout the evening, attendees also mingled with exhibitors and student poster presentations while conversations around seaweed aquaculture echoed in the tall ceilings. Thank you to our exhibitors the Boothbay Sea and Science Center, Hurricane Island, and Maine Sea Grant for sharing projects and teacher resources. Thanks also to the University of New England for their student poster presentations!

During our short business meeting, the membership approved the slate of directors which now include new officers. We welcomed new board members Mike Doherty and Thom Smith, and thanked Kate Leavitt as she stepped off. Deb “Mrs Fish” Sandler who was in attendance, made an announcement that GOMMEA is 40 years old this year! As she was the founding President in 1978, she expressed her excitement for the organization’s success to date.

The evening concluded with a keynote presentation, “The Incredible, Edible Kelp: Harvesting the Potential of Seaweed Aquaculture” and conversation lead by Dr. Nichole Price, Senior Research Scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

 

Thank you to all who came!