For as long as he can remember, Matthew Blendermann—New London, CT aquaculture enthusiast—has felt a pull toward the ocean. That connection has guided his educational pursuits, influenced his career choices, and inspired his hobbies. Encouraged by his family, he’s devoted much of his life to protecting the ocean by pursuing opportunities that support its long-term health and improve the lives of others.

Even before college, Blendermann found ways to put his fascination with the ocean into practice. As a high schooler, he participated in the National Ocean Science Bowl—a competition that challenges students on a wide range of marine science topics—and made it to the national level.

When it came time to choose a degree, he looked for something that would keep him close to the water. He enrolled at the University of New England in a Bachelor of Science program in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science. At the time, this was a rare course of study only offered by a few universities in the United States. There, he gained classroom knowledge and developed practical skills in the field, graduating into an industry that, even now, continues to grow and evolve.

Over the years, he’s gone from competitive academic settings to achieving certification as a PADI Enriched Air Divemaster. Through each experience, he’s gained both practical skills and academic knowledge that has prepared him for a career in aquaculture and commercial fisheries.

Turning Research Into Real-World Solutions

Aquaculture is still a young industry compared with agriculture or commercial fishing, leaving significant room for new tools and ideas to determine where it goes next.

“Aquaculture is a comparatively new commercial industry, so innovation is both relatively common and necessary to have it become an equally viable industry,” Blendermann said.

Staying current with the changes takes constant awareness, and Blendermann treats learning as part of the job. He regularly reads industry journals, peer-reviewed research, and credible news sources, viewing each as raw data to refine processes, improve sustainability, and develop practical solutions to ongoing challenges.

He knows the road is not without barriers. Poor practices in some early nearshore salmon farms created public doubt that still lingers today. Aquaculture also struggles to capture public attention the way more familiar food industries do.

“If people were more interested in aquaculture as a new and exciting way to produce more food in a much more sustainable manner, I think the industry would flourish,” he said.

Still, there are developments that keep his optimism high. One is the testing of offshore fish pens in Hawaii, which he believes could help address space limitations by moving farming away from crowded coastal zones.

“If it proves to be viable, that unlocks a lot more space to use for more sustainable foodfish rearing,” Matthew Blendermann—New London, CT professional—explained.

A Reputation as a Kind Collaborator

When faced with a task or problem at work, Blendermann approaches it with dedication and a careful eye for detail.

“I tackle it with a level of focus and thoroughness that is rare among my peers,” he said.

He works without cutting corners, maintaining the same level of focus even if the situation is something he’s familiar with. Each step is followed through to completion, ensuring the final result meets the highest standard he can deliver.

Colleagues know Blendermann for his cooperative spirit, and that shines through even when there are differences of opinion. One of his strengths is his ability to find value in every perspective, and that continues to help him grow both personally and professionally.

“While not everyone is a teacher, there is opportunity to learn from everyone and anyone,” he said. “Though I cannot be perfect, I can certainly consider all feedback and implement solutions that satisfy as much of it as possible.”

Blendermann actively invests in building strong, positive connections across the industry. He maintains open lines of communication with his peers, which helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps projects moving in the right direction.

These ongoing exchanges also keep him informed about current events, updates in the field, and other changes that could impact his career. By surrounding himself with a supportive network, he remains ready to respond to opportunities or challenges as they come up.

Communication That Invites Confidence

For Blendermann, trust is built on honesty, kindness, and clear communication. He strives to be straightforward while staying true to himself, ensuring professionalism never comes at the cost of character.

“People tend to like it when you’re willing to go further than you’re obligated to in order to help them, and I like helping people,” he said.

Rather than shying away from difficult news, he shares it along with the good, showing others they can rely on him in any circumstance. At the same time, he balances openness with discretion by only sharing relevant information, avoiding unnecessary specifics, and making it clear when certain details must remain confidential.

For him, trust starts with confidence in his own intentions, a quality that makes it easier for others to place their trust in him.

Passing On Lessons That Last

Some of the most valuable lessons in Blendermann’s life have come from his mentors. He credits Mike Muller, who he worked under at Olympus Dive Center in Morehead City, as his most influential teacher. Muller’s patience, approachable nature, and willingness to go above and beyond set a standard that Blendermann still measures himself against.

His own style of mentorship has changed over time. Early on, he tended to lead from the front, offering constant instruction and aiming to cover every detail. Now, he’s learned the value of stepping back, giving mentees the space to experiment and learn on their own, knowing that independence often turns lessons into lasting skills.

Today, he focuses on helping newer coworkers become more disciplined, maintain morale, and develop more consistent work habits. Some only need a nudge in the right direction, while others benefit from a more hands-on approach. Those that genuinely want to grow are the ones that Blendermann puts the most energy into, and he changes his style depending on what each person needs.

“I love being able to witness other’s accomplishments that were in some part the result of me helping them grow. Doesn’t matter how big or small it is, it’s all worth celebrating,” he said.

He continues to keep in touch with past mentors through calls, emails, and occasional visits, finding inspiration both in their growth and in the qualities they’ve consistently upheld. Each conversation offers a reminder of the kind of mentor he aspires to become in the years ahead.

Staying the Course Through Shifting Waters

When challenges arise, Matthew Blendermann focuses on the end goal, adjusting his expectations to stay hopeful while remaining realistic. One piece of advice has stayed with him for years: “The most you can do is your best, and your best varies from day to day. Everyone is the same way.”

Although he doesn’t remember who shared it with him, the phrase still helps him stay motivated and encourage others when the work gets tough. As a perfectionist, it also keeps him from feeling like his work is never good enough.

He applies the same mindset to the future of aquaculture, which he sees as unpredictable yet full of potential. For Blendermann, not knowing where the industry will be in the next five to 10 years is part of its appeal.

“​​I have absolutely no clue, and that’s the exciting part!” he said.

His hope is that the industry will advance in ways that make it more sustainable and better equipped to help feed the world.

For those just getting started in the field, he recommends seeking opportunities in places where aquaculture is already thriving, even if it means traveling far from home. Looking back, he wishes he had completed more internships during college and secured a job right after graduation, believing those steps would have given him a stronger start.

Where Passion and Profession Flow Together

For Matthew Blendermann, a childhood love for the ocean has grown into years of learning and working toward a future in marine science and aquaculture.

Outside of his professional pursuits, creative writing remains his greatest passion, often inspired by the sea. He is currently working on his first novel and also enjoys long road trips, hiking, SCUBA diving, photography, and video games.

Whether developing ideas in aquaculture, mentoring coworkers, or keeping up with industry innovations, Blendermann strives to help ensure the ocean can sustain both marine life and human needs for generations to come.