Pingree announces $100,000 federal grant to research use of composite lumber in aquaculture pens

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that InnovaSea Systems in Augusta will receive a $99,771 Small Business Innovation Research grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research the feasibility of using wood fiber composite materials for the aquaculture pens it manufactures. 
 
“These types of grants have been key in helping Maine small businesses test new technologies and take innovative ideas to market,” said Pingree.  “This project is very exciting in connecting two areas where Maine has a lot of expertise—marine construction and wood-based composites. I applaud InnovaSea Systems for its leadership in bringing these technologies together in a way that holdsgreat potential for Maine’s economy.” 
 
Since 2006, InnovaSea Systems in Augusta has manufactured and marketed its Aquapod spehericalgeodesic fish pens, which are used year-round in demanding marine environments.  The cages are currently built with High Density Polyethelene (HDPE) plastic, but the company is looking for a stronger and stiffer alternative. 
 
The company will work with researchers at the University of Maine who have developed a process to produce a thermoplastic composite combining engineering plastic with wood fiber.  The effectiveness of the composite will be tested in the lab and open ocean.  If successful, the material holds great potential for many marine uses.      
 
A full description of the project is available here. 

Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, which oversees funding for the Small Business Innovation Research Program.