A farmer used satellite data to choose where to grow his oyster farm — and it worked. Four years down the line, his farm is still operational, and his oysters are thriving. Using that same satellite-based approach, researchers created a model that can help oyster farmers plan ahead.
University of Maine researchers developed a site-selection tool. This tool uses satellite data to determine where oyster growth would be best. The director of The World is Your Oyster farm in Wiscasset, Maine, Luke Saindon, examined the satellite maps to determine where temperatures and food levels were most suitable for oyster growth. Going by the maps’ directions, he set up the farm near his home. Four years later, his oyster farm is still thriving.
The researchers then developed a growth-prediction model with that same approach. They used data from Landsat and European Sentinel-2. This model is based on how oysters allocate their energy to growth, survival, and reproduction.
For a place like Maine, this satellite data is even more crucial. Maine’s coastline is made up of drowned valleys and rocky bedrock carved by ancient glaciers. The coastline structure makes conditions change dramatically over short distances. This changing condition makes site selection difficult for an oyster farmer.
The researchers’ model could solve this problem. It can show farmers where oysters grow faster and how long it will take to harvest. This reduces the financial risks involved in oyster farming.
The research team validated the model against seven years of field data. The model has shown accuracy. The team will now develop an online tool to put the model into practice.
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Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 354 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.
Chibuike Okpara, 2026-01-18 (Update: 2026-01-18)
