WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has received $7 million to build the Maine Algal Research Infrastructure and Accelerator. The award will assist with building state-of-the-art research infrastructure which will streamline algae innovation in the agricultural, aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries.

Collaborating with Bigelow Laboratory on this effort are Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, University of New England, Colby College, Southern Maine Community College, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, Gulf of Maine Ventures, and the Maine Technology Institute. This funding was awarded through the National Science Foundation and will be distributed over four years.

“Maine is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the aquaculture and biochemistry industry and the addition of Bigelow Laboratory’s algal accelerator is another example of our cutting-edge innovation,” said Senators Collins and King. “This $7 million investment will help scientists and Bigelow Laboratory harness the power of algae — unlocking new potential for Maine’s agriculture, aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries. Not only will this research help drive new approaches to commercial algae use, but it will also open the door to workforce opportunities between local farmers, algal companies and our premier research institutions.”

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is an independent, nonprofit research institute located in East Boothbay.  From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Bigelow Laboratory scientists use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet.