<p>Aquaculture in Maine (USA) offers new opportunities for working on the water as traditional waterfront industries, such as commercial fisheries, face high barriers to entry and overall decline. Aquaculture in Shared Waters (AQSW) is a Maine-based training program designed to provide introductory aquaculture skills. This study explored the experiences of women in Maine’s aquaculture sector and the specific needs of women participating in aquaculture training. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 32 women who previously completed the AQSW program. Findings revealed that participants’ backgrounds, particularly connections to commercial fishing, shaped their ability to enter and succeed in aquaculture. However, even women with fishing experience often struggled to access maritime skills and technical knowledge essential for success. Interviewees described differential treatment within both AQSW and the broader industry, including being underestimated, belittled, and experiencing harassment. Recommendations for improving outcomes include integrating hands-on maritime skills and ergonomics training, as well as fostering formal and informal networking opportunities for women. In response to these findings, AQSW launched the 2024 Women in Aquaculture Series, directly incorporating results from this research into women-focused programming. Other aquaculture training programs can adopt AQSW’s rapid, responsive approach as a model for advancing gender equity in the industry.</p>