94 p o r t l a n d monthly magazine discovery the nutrients as possible. “I think there’s a lot of innovation go- ing on in many areas. In Norway, there’s a major investment push to go further out of sea. You’re seeing new projects show- casing both offshore and land-based in- novations. It’s an exciting period. [There are] new types of feed ingredients. Land- based is not the only answer, but it’s part of the answer, and it makes it possible to do farming in places where it hadn’t been considered before. In Norway, you see, we’re subject to very strict regulations to what we can discharge, so that is how we are used to doing business. “Aquaculture is a major growth indus- try. The academic institutions in Maine are very interested in expanding the scope of their programs. We’re going to be do- ing our part to contribute to that, and so we’re very excited to see how it develops. That’s go- ing to create great opportu- nities for Mainers both here and abroad. I’m moving to Maine in three months, so I see this investment as a partnership between Maine and Norway. I can say al- ready that we’ve been work- ing with the resource insti- tution down by the harbor, and opened up connections between them and vari- ous educational programs in Norway. We hope to pro- vide support and exchange programs as a part of our strategy.” A NEW VISION R obert Piasio, CEO of Whole Oceans, concurs when announc- ing the purchase of the former Ver- so paper mill in Bucksport, and also placed Whole Oceans’ $250M project within the context of Maine’s economic history. “This story is also about the resiliency and deter- mination of towns throughout Maine that make projects like this possible,” he says. “Whole Oceans is entering a long-term partnership with the community of Buck- sport, a responsibility we accept with the greatest care, and together we will strive to make Whole Oceans a source of pride ev- ery single day.” A MAINE VOICE Leslie Harrow at Sullivan Harbor Farm offers an artisanal perspective on these new products. “The science of land-based aqua- culture has become a significant way to grow large quantities of fish. I went to one