Rising Tides: Change on the Working Waterfront - with Jeff Auger

Maine’s coastal future is being shaped by people adapting in real time. In this opening episode of Rising Tides, Bill Perna speaks with oyster farmer Jeff Auger about the forces reshaping the working waterfront.

Jeff reflects on his path into aquaculture and the realities of building a livelihood on the water today. Together, they discuss cooperation between fishermen, farmers, regulators, and coastal communities, and how environmental change, access, and local knowledge increasingly shape everyday decisions along Maine’s coast.

Perna Content's Rising Tides explores how coastal Maine is adapting to environmental, economic, and cultural change through long-form conversations with people working on and alongside the water. New episodes are released fortnightly.

The podcast accompanies the book Rising Tides: Adapting to Maine’s Coastal Future, available at www.pernacontent.com/publishing

Transcript

GUEST:​JEFF AUGER 

Podcast Intro:

Welcome to the second season of Perna Content's Maine Aquaculture Podcast, now renamed The Challenges and Solutions for the Future of Maine's Coast. My name is Bill Perna. In this podcast, we have conversations with innovative thought leaders who are shaping the future of Maine’s coast. Our guests include marine biologists, ninth-generation fishermen, engineers, former hedge fund guy, oyster farmers, and lobstermen among others.

What unites them is a deep passion for working on the water and a commitment to tackling the challenges such as climate change. Together, they are creating solutions for the many issues facing Maine’s coastal communities.

These are global stories told through a local lens. Maine faces significant challenges: the Gulf of Maine is the second-fastest warming body of water on the planet. But the individuals we speak with have ideas and solutions grounded in science and innovation.

Their work supports coastal communities and preserves Maine's working waterfront—all while contributing to the state’s economy, culinary scene, and tourism industry.

These are stories of resilience, grit, humor, and optimism. Thanks for joining us.

Jeff Auger Intro:

Jeff Auger’s journey in aquaculture began in 2002 when he joined Cape Cod Oyster Company in Barnstable, Massachusetts. He stayed involved in the industry through college and law school, eventually becoming a legal intern for the Conservation Law Foundation.

After earning his law degree from Pace Law School in 2012, Jeff passed the New York and Massachusetts bar exams and became licensed to practiced environmental law in Massachusetts.

That same year, Jeff moved to Maine to join Mook Sea Farm as their River Manager. He has also been actively involved in advocacy efforts, including serving as the President of the East Coast Shellfish Growers association. Jeff has also accepted a position with Atlantic Aqua Farms USA and is still working on the Damariscotta River with Muscongus Bay Aquaculture. 

When Jeff is not on a farm trying to grow more oysters, you can find Jeff chasing fish or hiking in his hometown, Bath, with his wife and pups. 

>Insert edited Interview

Jeff Auger (00:02):  

My name is  Jeff Auger I’ve been farming oysters since I was 15. I started down in Cape Cod as a part-time summer job, mostly because I couldn’t get hired at Best Buy or Panera due to my baseball schedule. I needed the flexibility to play baseball in the summer, and those places weren’t open to that. A family friend of ours ran an oyster farm on the Cape, so the deal was, “Come work a tide.” We’d work three hours, and if I did well, they’d bring me back for the next tide. I made it through that first tide, came back for the second, and ended up working with that company for about 12 years, on and off, through high school, college, and graduate school. Even after grad school, I worked there a bit. So, I’ve been involved with oysters and farming oysters my whole life. It’s the career I want. I went to school for law, aiming to be an environmental attorney, but quickly realized I could do more for the planet farming oysters than litigating environmental cases. So here I am.

Bill Perna 01:20):  

Could you talk a bit about your environmental advocacy? I remember receiving a note from you once, asking people to speak on behalf of the oyster industry on an important bill up in Augusta, put up by Protecting Maine’s fishing Heritage who was behind that push

Jeff Auger (01:57):  

Policy is an area I focus on in my oyster career, largely due to my law background. I was a political science major, so it’s always interested me, and it’s a field I deeply believe in. Of course, I work hard to ensure we have the same opportunities as other businesses. Early in my career, people didn’t even know what shellfish aquaculture was or how it worked. Friends had never even tried an oyster. Now, people know what oysters are; they’ve exploded in popularity, and people understand the benefits. As our coastal community shifts from a heavily commercial fishing focus, aquaculture provides a way to maintain a working waterfront. It offers a career path for locals willing to be out in the sun, working with their hands, making a living on the water. That’s the career path I want to build.

In traditional fishing, there were people who didn’t always do the best ways yet made a lot of money. We’re here doing things right, and there’s no reason we can’t create an industry just as strong in the next 20 to 30 years. The future of protein production is water-based farming. We can’t keep farming land and hunting animals on it, nor can we continue to deplete ocean wildlife. We need to grow them ourselves, and aquaculture is the answer. It’s one of the healthiest proteins you can eat; we’re not farming junk food here. If you want a protein that feeds people, cleans the environment, and provides enough jobs for coastal communities, shellfish aquaculture is the answer. That’s why I work on policy, and it’s been tremendous to see our community grow.

Bill Perna (05:35):  

Let me follow up on something you said earlier. Some people seem to cynically try to create a divide between fisheries, like lobstermen and oyster farmers, as if they’re oppositional. Would I be naive to say they have far more in common? Each needs the infrastructure the other industry has built. >  add.

Jeff Auger (06:21):  

Exactly. Work respects work; watermen respect watermen. We’re the new kids on the block, especially here on the Maine coast. Personally, on the docks in winter, you might get a side-eye from a lobsterman at first, but after a few months, they start to recognize your commitment. We go out in conditions where others don’t because we’re inshore. Eventually, we earn respect. The commercial fishing industry isn’t oppositional. Some people try to pit us against each other because they know it’s a way to prevent both from growing, but we’re the same people doing the same type of work. 

Having a healthy inshore estuary helps offshore fishing. Our oyster farms essentially create artificial reefs, replacing lost habitat and providing breeding areas for young fish. There’s a stat * (find Stat) that for every acre of aquaculture, we contribute $10,000 to the commercial fishing industry. We all have a stake in a working waterfront. It’s frustrating to see people on the water pointing fingers when we’re all in this together. I’ve even rescued stranded commercial fishermen. We’re part of the same community. The issues they face aren’t because of us; they’re issues we all face, like the gentrification of coastlines.

Bill Perna (09:21):  

It’s like there are people trying to create divisiveness that benefits neither group for the benefit of another group.

Jeff Auger (09:34):  

Exactly.

Bill Perna  (09:35):  

It’s like, “Oh, if we can get these two groups fighting, then the developers here can more easily take over the waterfront that’s valuable to both of them.” 

Jeff Auger (09:49):  

Unfortunately, yes, and it’s also discouraging commercial fishermen from seeing the appeal of aquaculture. Lobstermen could make some of the best aquaculturistswe have. Aquaculture offers them a tremendous resource, but because some hold a negative view, they’re not realizing the opportunity right in front of them. We need hardworking people who don’t mind getting wet, working in the cold, and know how to tie knots. That’s the fishing community. The sooner they see themselves as part of aquaculture, the better the entire community will be. But some people use this divisive tactic, and frankly, it’s often by those who don’t want any working waterfront at all.  

For example, some of the opposition we’ve received in Maine is from commercial shellfish harvesters using fan boats on the flats, which is a perfectly appropriate and highly effective way for them to farm. However, some property owners don’t want to hear a fan boat at seven in the morning. If that’s an issue, maybe Maine’s fishing industry isn’t the place for them. That’s just the reality here.

Bill Perna (11:20):  

Right. And as Sebastian Belle points out, one in six oystermen holds a lobster license.

Jeff Auger (11:29):  

Exactly. There’s also a huge opportunity for kelp farming among lobstermen. The kelp industry fits perfectly with the lobster industry. During their off-season, lobstermen could grow kelp and generate some revenue. They already have the tools, and lobster boats are well-suited to harvest kelp. It’s a great example of how the future is not “A or B,” but “A and B together.”

Bill Perna (12:00):  

Well said. Maybe you could share where you see aquaculture heading and what challenges might lie ahead.

Jeff Auger (12:29):  

The main challenge with aquaculture, compared to commercial fishing, is the wait. We don’t just get a permit and start working the next day. For instance, if I want to farm oysters, I first must wait three years for a lease approval. Once I have the lease, it then takes about a year and a half for the crop to grow. So, any farmer must wait around four and a half to five years, depending on the state, to bring their crop to market. It’s very difficult, but we’re working on ways for people to enter the industry, learn the ropes, and either move up within established companies or start on their own. 

I remember being told, “Don’t become a fisherman; don’t work in the oyster industry. You won’t make money.” But we’re here to make careers, and I’m here to provide opportunities for young workers who care about the environment. They can work hard, buy a house, raise a family, and live the American dream—through shellfish aquaculture. To do that, we need a stable work environment with benefits, paid time off, and retirement plans.  

When we started, the focus was simply to create jobs. Then, we aimed to create year-round jobs, not just seasonal work. Now, the real goal is to create careers. That’s what we’re doing at Atlantic Aqua Farms. We want people to start at entry-level positions, work their way up, or have the tools to start their own companies. This industry offers high-quality protein that benefits the environment, and that’s our mission.

Bill Perna (15:37):  

Can you share anything about what Atlantic Aqua Farms is currently doing or their future plans? I feel like you’re making a tremendous contribution to the industry.

Jeff Auger (15:54):  

We’re focused on growing the industry. We’re looking to support companies that might not have had the resources to reach their full potential. Our goal is to hire hardworking professionals and attract top talent. It’s a great company to work for, and we’re optimistic about the future. Working in nature brings uncertainty, and any farmer will tell you they worry about the unexpected disaster. But we offer some stability. It’s always there in the background, but we’re hopeful that by supporting the industry, we can help it grow to a level where people can build their careers on the water. Our goal is to restore the working waterfront on the East Coast.

Bill Perna  (17:18):  

Right. Jeff, here’s a question I always like to ask: What should I be asking that I haven’t asked yet?

Jeff Auger (17:32):  

<Laugh> In terms of the industry as a whole?

Bill Perna (17:36):  

Yes, in terms of the industry as a whole.

Jeff Auger (17:39):  

The main thing I struggle with is that I understand why some people oppose aquaculture. Looking at the East Coast, some states have a lot of aquaculture, and others don’t, not because of water quality, but because of regulations and the influence of coastal residents on politics. This industry offers a tremendous opportunity for state-wide benefits, creating jobs and boosting the economy. But a few coastal residents, who don’t want to see an oyster or mussel farm in their view, have a disproportionate amount of influence and time to oppose it.  

For example, if I have a lease with 30 landowners, 28 might support it, but the one or two who oppose it are often the loudest. They may even hire attorneys, investing thousands to fight the lease. This creates a disproportionate effect on the conversation. For Maine, Massachusetts, or any other state, the question is whether we’ll let a few voices hinder an opportunity for economic and environmental gains that benefit everyone.

Jeff Auger (18:32):  

What we encounter is that a few coastal residents who don’t want to look at an oyster farm or a mussel farm in their view often have significant political influence, ample time, and considerable money. They use these resources to create the impression that there’s a problem with this industry, right? But in Maine, we have a stringent lease program that prohibits us from infringing on commercial fishing, navigation, or private shore access. It’s literally illegal for an oyster farm to unreasonably interfere with these. However, opponents often exploit people’s legitimate concerns without giving full clarity on the regulations we follow.

Jeff Auger (19:33):  

My frustration is that I might have a lease with 30 landowners. Out of those, 28 might support it, but the one or two who oppose it have a disproportionate impact. The supportive majority usually don’t attend hearings, hire lawyers, or invest in opposing opposition, while the minority does. This creates a skewed perception. From a community standpoint, we need to consider the positive effects for all Maine and Massachusetts citizens. It’s incredible to have a business where everything is sold, high-quality talent wants work, and we could offer better pay and benefits if the industry could grow. Yet we’re held back by one or two individuals who don’t own the water but object to its use.

Jeff Auger (20:52):  

That’s right.

Jeff Auger (20:53):  

The state owns it.

Bill Perna(20:54):  

Are you aware of any—sorry, I’m going off track. 

Jeff Auger (21:03):  

One of the aspects people don’t always understand is that shellfish farming isn’t permitted in just any water. Because people eat oysters and clams raw, we’re held to some of the highest health standards along the coastline. While Maine is known for cold, clean water, many areas are closed to shellfish farming due to high bacteria loads, septic runoff, or previous industrial activity. It often shocks people to learn where oyster farming isn’t allowed. My suggestion to those who don’t want to see an oyster farm is simple: buy a house along a river that’s closed to oyster farming. It’s a bit like complaining about potato farming if you live in Idaho. If you live on the Damariscotta River, a globally renowned place for oyster farming, expect to see an oyster farm.

Bill Perna  (22:17):  

Interesting.

Jeff Auger (22:18):  

I like to tell people, “If you can’t eat an oyster from your water, it’s not clean.” That perspective might encourage more people to be environmentally conscious. If you look around Portland, the Kennebec, or the Sheepscot, you’ll see areas closed to oyster farming, which is why there are no farms there.

Jeff Auger (22:43):  

Exactly.

Jeff Auger (22:46):  

We’re the canaries in the coal mine.

Jeff Auger (22:47):  

If there’s an oyster farm, you know the water’s clean.

Jeff Auger (22:48):  

Absolutely. Some places even use oysters to rejuvenate rivers. Take the Billion Oyster Project in New York, for instance. 

Jeff Auger (23:06):  

Yes, I understand.

Jeff Auger (23:07):  

There’s a line from Pete Malinowski of the Billion Oyster Project that I love: “A river without oysters is like a forest without trees.” Oysters are ecosystem engineers in the estuary; they’re like the trees of the forest. Sadly, due to pollution and overfishing in the 20s and 30s, we’ve grown accustomed to bare shores, even though millions of oysters should be filtering and maintaining these habitats. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act was eye-opening. I’m an environmentalist because my parents were. Their advocacy for acts like the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Endangered Species Act has made my career and others like mine possible.  

Bill Perna  (24:38):  

What kind of work did your parents do?

Jeff Auger (24:40):  

They generally supported environmental movements. If you look at Boston Harbor now, with its whales and fish, people are amazed. Angus King called in to NPR, reminiscing about how towns used to move away from rivers because the pollution was so bad it would burn your eyes. I’ve never lived in a world like that, thanks to the Clean Water Act.

Bill Perna   (25:09):  

Yes, right here with brickmaking and shipbuilding—it was quite different.

Jeff Auger (25:13):  

Yes, and our industry aligns with environmentalism. Improving the environment and preserving resources can create a much brighter economic future. Young people today want careers that don’t destroy the planet, and why shouldn’t they get paid for doing good? That’s what we’re working to create.

Bill Perna (25:51):  

That reminds me of a quote from Jeffrey Immelt, former CEO of GE, about the Hudson River. He said, “We have to clean it up because if we don’t, we’re going to lose the most important market there is for our company: people’s brains.”

Jeff Auger (26:19):  

Exactly. As oyster farmers, we can’t damage the environment either. If the water becomes polluted, we lose our business.

Bill Perna  (26:28):  

You’ve explained that well. It sounds like there’s widespread support, but a small, vocal group creates resistance.

Jeff Auger (26:43):  

Yes, the vocal minority. 

Bill Perna​ (26:44):  

I live in South Freeport and have friends who summer at Mere Point. They had initial concerns.

Jeff Auger (26:55):  

Mere Point is an incredible company.

Bill Perna (26:57):  

Yes, and I spoke with Dan. It’s a family-run operation—what’s there to oppose?

Jeff Auger (27:08):  

A lot of it is simply misinformation. After people talk with us, many are fine with it, but at first, they worry about navigation or fishing impacts. The law heavily accounts for those concerns.

Jeff Auger (27:29):  

They didn’t want to see the farms but have no problem looking at boats. 

Jeff Auger (27:35):  

I get that. I’m not a “real Mainer” either; I came here from Massachusetts. When I first saw the brightly colored buoys on the river, it looked awful to me. But over time, it becomes part of the culture. People often start by saying, “I don’t want to see it.” But after a year or two, they bring friends down, saying, “Look at my oyster farm!” It’s often a fear of the unknown. We work hard to be visible and vocal, answer questions, and be good stewards of the river.

Bill Perna (28:54):  

Do you think leaders in Maine, who recognize what’s necessary for the state, will ultimately support you?

Jeff Auger (29:22):  

I’m optimistic. We’re on the right side of this, telling a good story based on truth and hard work. That authenticity has been key to our success, and as more legislators understand, I believe support will grow. Not everyone will agree, but truth prevails, and we’re on the side of what’s right.

Bill Perna  (30:04):  

Do you still face significant challenges, or are people beginning to understand?

Jeff Auger (30:21):  

Some detractors, like the woman you mentioned, have damaged their own credibility through extreme actions. But it’s personal for us as farmers because our livelihoods and employees depend on it. Losing even part of a lease can be financially devastating.

Bill Perna (30:47):  

Has she had any success?

Jeff Auger (30:50):  

She’s been successful in changing our operating environment and turning some uninformed people against aquaculture.

Bill Perna  (31:02):  

Yes, her appeal is to low-information people. I looked at her organization’s tax return—she took in $130,000, and she’s the only compensated individual at $90,000. It’s just a gig for her.

Jeff Auger (31:26):  

Exactly. She likely has one or two wealthy donors funding it.

➢ Turned tape off

Jeff Auger (31:38):  

Yes, my guess too.

Jeff Auger (31:40):  

It’s the classic vocal minority. We’re managing, but it’s a constant distraction. Maine struggles economically and is losing young people and jobs. We could help grow the economy, yet some shorefront owners hinder progress. Maine needs to decide if it wants to become a vacation state for the wealthy or preserve its working waterfront tradition. 

Bill Perna (33:18):  

That’s the state’s brand.

Jeff Auger (33:19):  

Exactly, and they’re not mutually exclusive. The wealthy can enjoy their summer homes, and we can still have a working waterfront. We’re talking about 20% of state waters, at most.

Bill Perna (33:38):  

<Laugh> That’s what I told my friends at Mere Point: your gin and tonics will taste just the same.

Jeff Auger (33:46):  

Yes,

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If you like stories like this, visit Maine oyster book.com for more conversations with the people who have and are creating these stories. you can pre-order Perna Content’s new book. The Challenges and Solutions for the Future of Maine's Coastand order Maine Oysters, Stories of Resilience and Innovation or order on Amazon. These books are filled with wonderful insights from very interesting and innovative people. The books are filled with stunning photography from some of Maine's best photographers. See you next time, and thanks for listening.