Seaweed program will engage more than 1,500 in 2025

South Bristol School 5th-grade student Edith displays a string of seaweed with her teacher Jason Bigonia. Students in the class raised seaweed in a tank that was later planted in Clark Cove.

The Exploring the Science of Seaweed Farming program has a total of 40 seaweed droplines planted – 20 in Clark Cove and 3 on P. Dion Farm (Damariscotta River), 13 on Spartan Sea Farms (Casco Bay), 4 on Spring Tide Seaweed Farm (Frenchman Bay). Weather permitting, we will be harvesting the seaweed lines in Casco Bay on Tuesday, April 29, in Clark Cove on Friday, May 2, and in Frenchman Bay on Saturday, May 10. Pre-harvest classroom visits have allowed for the review of data collected to date and discussion of hypotheses. Students submit final reports in June and community presentations are being planned. This year this program will engage a mix of 1,500+ students, teachers, school administrators, scientist and volunteers.
Additionally, P. Dion’s Farm is supporting seaweed research at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

From our parents

You were the best organized communicators of the three camps she went to last summer – thank you! She loved the data collecting and science portions, that felt really unique to your program.

KSL

My daughter enjoys BSSC very much. She likes swimming and especially science. She likes getting “jobs” on the boat. She really enjoyed this week’s movie about the 16 year old who sallied the world by herself.

KW

Our child was super excited about the seaweed identification and that knowledge really presented when we kayaked out to spectacle island to camp and encountered many different types of seaweed. She loves the camp! Everything. One noticeable difference was that our child was able to identify the different types of seaweed on the coast and in the water while we went out kayaking.

LP

I value the balance between time on the water and the educational component adding to their overall respect/perspective. The Olympics were also a huge hit this year!! A great balance between skills, education and good old fashioned summer camp fun!

KW

BSSC’s thematic programming is one of its strongest components. All three of our campers (ages 5, 8, 13) were enthused by the topics and methods of exploration. They came home curious and eager to learn more ocean science related concepts.

LM

Everything is fantastic! We really appreciate this stellar program and thank you for providing such wonderful enrichment and a unique experience for the students. Eleanor has been anticipating this program for months- having the time of her life.

EB

We loved the overnight on the Schooner Tyrone. Anytime this is a possibility, please make it available for the kids. It was such a wonderful opportunity. The highlight of the summer!

RS