2025 Seminar Presentations
The following PDF presentations were shared in Forum Seminars on February 27, 28, and March 1st, 2025.
Atlantic Sea Scallop Strategic Planning Process
Aquaculture from Around the Globe
Decarbonizing Maine’s Working Coastline
Lessons from Cooperative Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey
Maine DMR Lobster Science Update
MFF 50th Reminiscing Session Slides
NOAA Fisheries Guidance for Submitting Electronic Vessel Trip Reports
2025 Seminar Schedule and Descriptions
Thursday Seminars: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Shellfish Focus Day
8:30 a.m.-9:40 a.m. (Rockland/Rockport Room)
Sea Level Rise and mudflat Characteristics in the intertidal
Sea level rise (SLR) poses an immense threat to Maine’s coastal ecosystems and communities, with predicted increases in flooding, salt water inundation, erosion, and loss of habitat. Historically, SLR planning and adaptation has focused primarily on threats to coastal infrastructure, beaches/dunes, and marsh habitat, with relatively little attention to mudflats and shellfish resources. Currently, there are no existing efforts to assess the advancement of low tide with SLR in Maine, which is of critical importance for any activity in the intertidal. Advancement of the low tide line (which delineates municipal and state authority) also has jurisdictional implications for co-management in the shellfish fishery. At the same time, there is growing interest from the scientific community and shellfish fishery to better understand relationships between mudflat characteristics and shellfish populations, and climate-related changes to sediments and morphology of the flats.This panel will discuss multiple efforts to better understand sea level rise, coastal change, and sediment dynamics on Maine’s intertidal mudflats, and implications for the wild shellfish fishery. We will describe a collaborative effort led by Manomet that brings together harvester knowledge, drone survey data, LiDAR data, and archival imagery to develop tools and resources for towns to prepare for climate change impacts. We will also share preliminary work to better characterize sediment composition and dynamics on intertidal mudflats, and the relationships between sediment and shellfish populations. Efforts to better understand how these multifaceted issues impact mudflats, shellfish, and harvester livelihoods are crucial for proactive and adaptive management of the fishery.
Seminar Host Director: Dianne Tilton
Moderator: Marissa McMahan, Senior Director of Fisheries, Manomet Conservation Sciences
Panelists:
Emily Farr, Senior Fisheries Program Manager, Manomet
Hannah Baranes, Assistant Research Scientist, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Jon Woodruff, Professor of Sediment & Coastal Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Bailey Bowden, Chair of Penobscot Shellfish Committee
Karen Merritt, Maine Maritime Academy
9:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m. (Rockland/Rockport Room)
State of the New England European Green Crab Industry: How has it changed in the last 5 years?
As ocean water temperatures have increased, so has the population of the invasive European green crab (Carcinas maenas) in New England which continues to cause significant economic and ecological impacts on the region’s commercially important bivalve, native crustacean species and ecosystem diversity. In 2019 we held a seminar at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum highlighting some of the scientific research and innovative efforts that were being investigated at the time to find benefits and mitigation solutions through fishery and market development. Since then, there has been a surge in interest by harvesters, aquaculturists, citizens, culinary experts and seafood industry members to move forward on fishery and culinary market development to better exploit the opportunities from a tremendously underutilized resource. This seminar is meant to provide a “State of the Industry” summary as well as discuss some of the challenges and barriers that we are facing in expanding and growing this industry- some of the topics include: Markets (challenges and opportunities), Licensing (what is available and what is needed), Cultural Significance (knowledge exchange), State of the Regulations (especially with regard to interstate transport and sales), and Opportunities for the Next Generation (students and fishers). The seminar will be a mixed panel of experts that will elaborate on these topics and stimulate lively discussion and an exchange of current activities, knowledge and ideas.
Seminar Host Director: Dianne Tilton
Moderator: Gabriela Bradt- Fisheries Extension State Specialist, NH Sea Grant/UNH Cooperative Extension
Marissa McMahan, Director of Marine Fisheries
Panelists:
John Painter, Owner, Maine Green Crabs
Mary Parks, Founder and Executive Director, greencrab.org
Robert Russell, Marine Resource Scientist, Division for Biological Monitoring and Assessment
Mike Masi, Owner, Shell & Claw
Tae Chong, Multicultural Markets and Strategies Consultant, ME State Chamber Commerce
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Camden Room)
Stewardship and Collaboration in Maine’s Rockweed Fishery
Like other fisheries, Maine’s wild harvest seaweed fishery has experienced significant changes over the past decade, and is working to overcome challenges and ensure long-term sustainability. While a variety of seaweed species are harvested in Maine, 95% of the landings by weight are “rockweed” (Ascophyllum nodosum) – the recognizable, intertidal brown algae that dominates our rocky coast. This annual rockweed harvest amounts to be a significant and valuable marine resource for Maine, which is utilized in organic fertilizers, soil amendments, animal feed and nutrition, plant biostimulants, and other natural products. As recognition of the importance of seaweed and seaweed-derived products has grown in recent years, management, stewardship, and collaborations that protect this resource have an increasingly critical role to play. Formed in 1993 by seaweed harvesters, business owners, researchers, and consultants, the Maine Seaweed Council has a 30+ year history of engaging in fishery management and research, and is a notable example of long-term fisheries collaboration in Maine. The Maine Seaweed Council strives to protect the ecosystems of Maine’s marine algae and adhere to sustainable cultivation and harvest practices, promote the use of Maine seaweeds, educate the public, regulators, and elected officials, and provide a collaborative forum for its members. In this session, fishermen and businesses of the Council will highlight their current harvest management practices, ongoing research to sustain rockweed ecosystems, efforts to train and prepare new harvesters, challenges facing the industry, and how collaborations between rockweed businesses and seaweed farmers are creating new opportunities for Maine fisheries and aquaculture.
Seminar Host Director: Michelle Brown
Moderator: Jaclyn Robidoux, Marine Extension Associate, Maine Sea Grant
Panelists:
Bonnie Tobey, President, Maine Seaweed Council/Operations Manager, Source Inc.
Alison Feibel, Senior Resource Biologist, Acadian Seaplants Maine
Jake Patryn, Director of Operations, Acadian Seaplants Maine
George Seaver, Vice President and General Manager, Ocean Organics
Mitch Lench, CEO and Founder, Ocean’s Balance
10:50 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Rockland/Rockport Room)
Shellfish Advisory Council Updates and Priorities Discussion
After a series of regional meetings held by the Shellfish Advisory Council (ShAC) and the DMR in 2022, the ShAC identified a number of priorities to focus on starting in spring of 2023. The top priorities included: 1) An economic impact study, 2) Opening shellfish growing areas that are closed as a result of overboard discharges (OBDs) and failing septic systems, and 3) Preserving harvester access through private property. We will also present on outcomes from the retail sales committee, which was formed to find ways to make retail shellfish sales more equitable, safe, and streamlined. This panel has speakers from various agencies and organizations. Each speaker will provide a brief presentation of their initiative, and the status of the work and/or results. Then the moderator will facilitate a conversation with the audience about these priorities and seek input on new priorities for the ShAC.GMRI will share findings from the project funded by the DMR/ShAC to examine the economic impact and market forces of shellfish harvesting. The project provides economic analysis and information to support a better understanding of soft- shell clam landings and price trends and fluctuations at regional and state levels. The findings suggest significant changes in landed prices around 2015.DMR and DEP will share updates on their evaluation of existing OBDs, and proposed agency regulations to facilitate continued removal of OBDs. IF&W will share information about their Outdoor Partners Program, which provides incentives to landowners who provide access for hunting and fishing.
Seminar Host Director: Dianne Tilton
Moderator: Jessica Gribbon Joyce, Chair, Shellfish Advisory Council & Owner of Tidal Bay Consulting
Panelists:
Kanae Tokunaga, Senior Research Scientist, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Ben Cotton, Research Associate, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Brian Kavanah, Director of the Bureau of Water Quality, Department of Environmental Protection
Bryant Lewis, Growing Area West Program Supervisor, Bureau of Public Health and Aquaculture, Department of Marine Resources
Corporal Kris MacCabe, Game Warden Corporal, Landowner Relations Program, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Jordan Kramer, Owner/Operator Winnegance Oyster Farm, ShAC Aquaculture Representative
1:00 p.m. -1:45 p.m. (Rockland/Rockport Room)
Monitoring Soft-Shell Clams: Then and Now
Downeast Institute has established an intertidal climate change monitoring network that spans the coast of Maine. Over the past five years, boxes have been deployed in 12 coastal communities to measure soft-shell clam, and other shellfish, recruitment, recruit growth, and survival, along with green crab demographics. This presentation will focus on the results from 2024 and examine trends over the past five years.
Seminar Host Director: Dianne Tilton
Panelists:
Tessa Houston, Research Assistant, Downeast Institute
1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. (Camden Room)
Atlantic Sea Scallop Strategic Planning Process – Visioning Session
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is in the process of developing a long-term (3-5 year) strategic plan for managing the Atlantic Sea Scallop fishery in federal waters. The Council is conducting three visioning sessions in early 2025 to gather community input on specific topics as an initial phase of the strategic planning process. During this session, Council staff will provide information about the history and management of scallops in the Gulf of Maine and Northern Gulf of Maine management unit, and an overview of the strategic planning process. Following presentations, seminar attendees will be asked to reflect on current management approaches and provide input on federal scallop management in the Gulf of Maine.
Seminar Host Director: Melissa Smith
Moderator: Connor Buckley, New England Fishery Management Council
Panelists:
Melanie Griffin, Scallop Committee Chair, MA DMF
Jonathon Peros, New England Fishery Management Council
Kristan Porter, Scallop Advisory Panel Member, Cutler, Maine
1:45 p.m. -2:30 p.m. (Rockland/Rockport Room)
Examining Soft-Shell Clam Reproduction Across Maine
In the face of drastic declines in soft-shell clam landings, Downeast Institute will present the findings from its research into the relationship between the size of female clams and the number of eggs produced when they spawn. As different efforts emerge to try and stave off the effects of green crab and other predation of soft shell clam populations, the results of this study could present a way to outpace predation by leaving more breeders in the ecosystem. This presentation will share the experimental design and techniques used, quantify results, and allow a period for questions and answers.
Seminar Host Director: Dianne Tilton
Panelists:
Dr. Brian Beal, Professor of Marine Ecology, University of Maine Machias
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Rockland/Rockport Room)
Shellfish Focus Day Poster Session
This poster session is a highlight of the Shellfish Focus Day agenda. This event provides an informal opportunity for networking and speaking with the panelists who presented earlier in the day. Students, researchers, and other professionals have the opportunity to share their work through posters, videos, gear demonstrations, and other media. Posters this year include, but are not limited to: The Basin Oyster Project, Examining How pH and Temperature Affect the Survivorship and Development of Juvenile Atlantic Sea Scallops, Town of Brunswick – upweller & septic system mapping initiatives, Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR) Program, the Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition, the Maine Shellfish Restoration Community of Practice, Documenting harvester knowledge of shellfish settlement patterns, Mapping of mussel beds in Casco Bay, and Interactive effects of ocean warming and acidification on growth, survival, and behavior or larval and post-larval American lobster. There will also be an opportunity for Q & A with DMR Nearshore Marine Resource Program staff.
Seminar Host Director: Dianne Tilton
Moderator: Jessica Gribbon Joyce, Tidal Bay Consulting and Shellfish Advisory Council
Panelists:
Dan Devereaux, Coastal Resource Manager, Town of Brunswick
Marissa McMahan, Director of Fisheries, Manomet Conservation Sciences
Heidi Leighton, Marine Resource Scientist, Department of Marine Resources
Daniel Sweeney, Research Assistant, Colby College/Basin Oyster Project
Elmer Robichaud, Student, John Bapst Memorial High School, Downeast Institute
Helena Tatgenhorst, Coastal Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy
Carissa Maurin, Aquaculture Program Manager, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Kyle Pepperman, Associate Director, Downeast Institute
Friday Seminars 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. (Golf Club)
Marine Debris and Plastics Alternatives Research
Marine debris is a topic of growing concern, and an opportunity for improvements in materials, distribution processes, recycling and engagement. Maine and the northeast has its own leaders and innovators in this area; re-envisioning the materials we use to catch, process, distribute and package our seafood. This segment will highlight some of those innovations and will provide time for panelists and the audience to discuss what should come next, so that we can keep our oceans and shorelines clean, while ensuring that our seafood is caught, processed and distributed with sustainability and practicality in mind.
Seminar Host Director: Gayle Zydlewski
Moderator: Dana L. Morse Senior Extension Program Manager, Aquaculture Lead Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Panelists:
Harsha Elizabeth James, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Maine Sea Grant
Dr. James Rutter, Fabrication Laboratory Manager, Haystack Mountain
Buzz Scott, Executive Director/Founder, OceansWide
Keri Kaczor, Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Program Manager, Maine Sea Grant
Alexa McGovern, Founder, Dirigo Sea Farm
Katie Weiler, Founder, Viable Gear
Laura Ludwig, Program Director, Center for Coastal Studies
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. (Rockland Room)
Introduction to the Regional Fund Administrator (RFA) Project
This seminar will introduce the next phase of work in an ongoing effort to implement a regional offshore wind fisheries compensation fund. For over three years, 11 East Coast states have been working collectively – and with engagement with the fishing community and offshore wind developers – to bring this initiative to such an important milestone. The next phase of work focuses on designing and developing the fund and associated claims process with input from fishing communities, offshore wind developers and state and federal officials. During the seminar, the panelists will introduce the project and set out, at a high-level, the proposed timelines, frequency and format of engagement, based on work to date and lessons learned. The seminar panelists will speak to the importance of taking a “bottom-up” approach to collaborating with East Coast fisheries to ensure that the unique cultures, experiences and needs are reflected in the process of developing the fund. In particular, the panelists will discuss the value of working with Maine fishing communities to shape the regional compensation fund, as well as the practicalities of doing so over the course of this complex yet important project.
Seminar Host Director: Mary Beth Tooley
Moderator: Patrick Field, Senior Mediator, Consensus Building Institute
Panelists:
Orran Brown Jr., Partner, BrownGreer
Jan Matthiesen, Director, The Carbon Trust
Laura Singer, Principal, SAMBAS Consulting
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. (Rockport/Camden Room)
MLA 71st Annual Meeting
Please join the MLA for its 71st Annual meeting. We are excited to welcome MLA’s Legal Team lead attorney, Ryan Steen, who will share his perspective on where things stand on the whale issue. The meeting will feature updates on other important policy issues. There will be plenty of time to hear ideas, questions and concerns from MLA members and the industry. Maine’s commercial fishermen, our families and community are encouraged to join us.
Seminar Host Director: Katie Werner
Panel:
Kristan Porter, President, Maine Lobstermen’s Association
Ryan Steen, MLA Legal Team, Stoel Rives
Patrice McCarron, Executive Director, Maine Lobstermen’s Association
10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Golf Club)
Lessons Learned from 10 years of the Cooperative Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey
The Gulf of Maine is one of the most rapidly-warming regions in the world and contains essential fish habitat for dozens of commercially important species. Much of the Gulf of Maine, however, is difficult to survey with mobile gear due to rocky bottom and fixed fishing gear. In response to this challenge, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) worked with members of the fishing industry to develop the Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey (BLLS). The BLLS was designed to complement other NEFSC surveys and is stratified by depth and bottom type. Several aspects of the survey design and operations were improved through partnership with commercial fishermen, including gear design and bait choice, gear deployment, consideration of habitat and catch variables, and operations around the tides. The BLLS is conducted on two small commercial fishing vessels and samples 45 stations between 15 and 160 fathoms each spring and fall. Data collection at each station includes abundance, biomass, and length measurements for each species, and biological sampling for sex, age, maturity, and genetics. Additional data collected includes bottom temperature, depth, current direction and velocity, and characterization of bottom habitat. This survey now contributes to a variety of groundfish and other stock assessments, as well as other research products. As offshore wind energy development proceeds, the design, technology, and collaborative approach used for the BLLS will have increased applicability. This seminar will share the results of the BLLS and open a discussion about how to expand industry engagement and data use.
Seminar Host Director: Dianne Tilton
Moderator: Dave McElroy, Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey Lead, Cooperative Research Branch, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Panelists:
Eric Hesse, Owner/Captain, F/V Tenacious II
Phil Lynch, Owner/Captain, F/V Mary Elizabeth
Charles Perretti, Stock Assessment Scientist, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Rebecca Peters, Marine Resource Scientist, Maine Department of Marine Resources
Carla Guenther, Chief Scientist, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Rockland Room)
NOAA Fisheries: Guidance for Submitting Electronic Vessel Trip Reports
Beginning in 2021, electronic vessel trip reporting (eVTR) was implemented in various fisheries throughout the greater Atlantic region. More recently, as of April 1, 2024, NOAA Fisheries implemented electronic vessel trip reporting for all federal lobster permit holders. The goals of this session are to share when an eVTR is required and how to submit an eVTR using the NOAA Fish Online Web App. Following our presentation, we will have an open floor Q&A session to address any questions users may have.
Seminar Host Director: Melissa Smith
Moderator: Melissa Smith, DMR
Panelists:
Adam Poquette, Port Agent (Gloucester, New Hampshire, southern Maine), NOAA Fisheries
Pam Thames, Port Agent (Maine), NOAA Fisheries
Bill Duffy, Port Agent (Boston, southeastern MA), NOAA Fisheries
10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Rockport)
DMR Update on Right Whale Monitoring Efforts and Regulatory Timeline
Recent shifts in North Atlantic right whale (NARW) distributions have resulted in a lack of knowledge of their habitat use in the Gulf of Maine. Pending new regulations for lobster and other fixed gear fisheries need to be based on a comprehensive understanding of how these fisheries and NARWs overlap. The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has implemented a research program to address this issue and provide information in the regulatory process, with the goal of minimizing impact to the regulated fisheries. Specifically, DMR’s Division of Marine Mammal Research has implemented programs aimed at advancing our understanding of NARW presence in the Gulf of Maine and exploring alternative lobster fishing gear types. In this session, DMR staff will share updates on recent right whale monitoring efforts including visual surveys and passive acoustic monitoring. Additional work includes characterizing new fishery data streams, modeling efforts, and alternative gear research, including the Maine Innovative Gear Library. Following updates from the science team, DMR policy staff will provide information about anticipated rulemaking to occur under the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. This session will include a discussion around anticipated timelines and opportunities for how the lobster industry and other fixed gear fisheries can be engaged in this topic moving forward. Present and former Maine Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team Members will also join the panel to provide their perspective.
Seminar Host Director: Melissa Smith
Moderator: Erin Wilkinson, Policy Coordinator, Maine DMR
Panelists:
Erin Summers, Director of Marine Mammal Research, Maine DMR
Megan Ware, Director of External Affairs, Maine DMR
Patrice McCarron, Acting COO, MLA, Maine TRT Member
Jeff Putnam, LAC Chair, Maine TRT Member
10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Camden Room)
Strengthening Maine’s Fishing Futures: community-based support for business and workforce
Island Institute, a 40-year-old community development non-profit based in Rockland, is collaborating with business support and workforce development organizations to offer fishermen additional resources, assistance, and financing with the aim of helping to make fishing more profitable and/or diversify a fishermen’s income. This program aims to bolster the resilience and sustainability of Maine’s lobster industry against challenges and regulatory changes. Island Institute has partnered with leading organizations such as the Small Business Development Centers, Maine Aquaculture Association, Maine Center for Entrepreneurship, local Adult & Community Education programs, and many others. These collaborations focus on delivering extensive business support, aquaculture training, and workforce development programs tailored specifically to the needs of the lobster fishing community. Panelists from partner organizations will provide detailed presentations on the array of educational and training initiatives they are set to offer. Each panelist will discuss how their programs are designed to equip fishermen and members of fishing communities with the skills and knowledge required to diversify incomes and adopt sustainable practices effectively. Community panelists will highlight examples of local action on these issues in St. George, Stonington, and coastal Washington County. This seminar will engage attendees through interactive panel discussions and Q&A sessions, ensuring that the audience can directly interact with the experts, gaining practical insights into accessing and benefiting from the programs offered. This session exemplifies the Island Institute’s commitment to supporting Maine’s coastal and island communities through thoughtfully orchestrated, strategic collaborations.
Seminar Host Director: Sebastian Belle
Moderator: Jeff Frank, Senior Community Development Officer, Island Institute Christa Thorpe, Senior Community Development Officer, Island Institute
Panelists:
Amanda Smith, Coastal Opportunity Advisor, Sunrise County Economic Council
Jenn Dobransky, Business Advisor for Midcoast Maine, Small Business Development Centers
Emily Lane, Seafood and Aquaculture Specialist, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs
Linda Nelson, Economic and Community Development Director, Town of Stonington
Val Peacock, Director of Strategy and Programs, Rural Aspirations Project
Mike Felton, Superintendent, St. George Municipal School Unit
1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m. (Golf Club)
Storm Response and Preparedness in Working Waterfront Communities
How did the January 2024 storms affect your working waterfront? A year after the record-breaking storms, how are businesses and communities faring? Join us for a conversation about storm response and preparedness in working waterfront communities. We’ll share some key takeaways from a series of ten regional conversations over the last few months (Nov 2024-Feb 2025) about “Storm Response and Preparedness in Working Waterfront Communities.” The goals of the series were to: Provide opportunities for community members across towns and diverse sectors to brainstorm ways to shore up working waterfronts as key components of a community’s overall vibrancy, to share planning efforts, to learn about resources for public and private working waterfront resilience, and identify systems and networks that already exist or would be useful to have in place locally to support communities in future storms. The series planning committee will share key takeaways and outcomes around storm preparedness, response, and recovery. and panelists will share lessons learned over the last year, and how their experience connects with community resilience work happening at the county- and state-level. We’ll hear important updates about the state’s commitment to support resilience and better prepare for future storms, with representatives from the Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, Maine Department of Marine Resources, and regional and town planners and managers. Participants will be invited to share in their own experiences, lessons learned, and future plans.
Seminar Host Director: Gayle Zydlewski
Moderator: Natalie Springuel, Marine Extension Program Leader, Maine Sea Grant
Panelists:
Linda Nelson, Co-Chair, Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission, and Stonington Economic and Community Development Director
Curt Brown, Ready Seafood, Lobsterman & member of Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission
Deirdre Gilbert, Director, Bureau of Policy and Management, Maine Department of Marine Resources
Lewis Pinkham, Milbridge Town Manager
Emily Rabbe, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission
Olivia Richards, Community Development Officer, Island Institute
Melissa Britsch, Senior Planner, Maine Coastal Program (DMR)
Katrina Armstrong, Assistant Research Professor, UMaine MARINE
1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m. (Rockland Room)
Eastern Maine Skippers Program – Student Interest Based Projects
This seminar will highlight projects and programs undertaken in 2024-25 by high school students in the Eastern Maine Skippers Program and the participating eastern Maine schools and communities. This year’s seminar will feature poster sessions of what specific learning students are involved in relative to EMSP projects focused on regulations, bait fish, tunicates, boat building, sea level rise monitoring, temperature and predation (green crabs) on clams and oysters, aquaponics, and scallop spat distribution. We will also have Drill Conductor and safety materials and videos available for viewing, as well as new offerings from EMSP for capture and culture fishery deckhands.It is critically important that students give and be able to receive feedback and engagement on issues and efforts affecting the ocean. This year students presenting are from the following high schools: Vinalhaven, North Haven, Ellsworth, George Stevens Academy, Deer Isle-Stonington and Jonesport-Beals.
Seminar Host Director: Tom Duym, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Moderator: Tom Duym, Fisheries Education Specialist, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Panelists:
Vinalhaven School
North Haven Community School
Deer Isle-Stonington High School
Jonesport-Beals High School
Ellsworth High School
George Stevens Academy
1:00 -2:30 p.m. (Rockport Room)
Open Forum with Federal Fisheries Leadership
Please join us for the opportunity to meet and converse with the leadership of federal fisheries management.
Seminar Host Director: Maggie Raymond
Moderator: Maggie Raymond, Maine Fishermen’s Forum, BOD
Panelists:
Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Fisheries Organization
Jon Hare, Science and Research Director, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council
Rick Bellavance, Chair, New England Fishery Management Council
2:45 p.m. -4:30 p.m. (Golf Club)
Co-op Managers Roundtable
An invitational meeting to all lobster co-op managers to have an informal discussion about a variety of topics including but not limited to labor, bait, pricing, facilities maintenance, etc. and to form a supportive network of co-op managers.
Seminar Host Director: Michelle Loquine
Moderator: Roxanne Tolman, finance manager Vinalhaven Fisherman’s Coop
2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Rockland Room)
Reminiscing and Celebrating 50 Years of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum
In celebration of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 50th anniversary, a panel of Forum alumni will share reflections on the event’s history and unique role in providing a cherished platform for building relationships and trust across diverse – and sometimes divergent – stakeholders in Maine’s fisheries and aquaculture communities. Generations have grown up at the Forum and much has happened at this annual event. As the host of the very first Forum, Maine Sea Grant will give a brief presentation of the event’s history, followed by discussion among a few invited guests. The audience will also be invited to share their reflections and favorite Forum memories. Come reminisce and celebrate the Forum!
Seminar Host Director: Togue Brawn
Moderator: Jen Levin
Panelists:
Robin Alden, Maine Fishermen’s Forum Co-Founder
Meredith Mendelson, Maine DMR
Jim Wilson, Maine Fishermen’s Forum Co-Founder, University of Maine
Dave Cousens, F/V Sea Wolf
Gayle Zydlewski, Maine Sea Grant
Paul Anderson, Former Maine Sea Grant Director
2:45 p.m. -4:30 p.m. (Rockport Room)
Lobster Institute: Collaborative Research Projects with Industry
This seminar session hosted by the Lobster Institute will provide an overview and update of four collaborative projects in which lobster fishermen are participating to better understand the current and future state of the fishery. These include eMOLT, ‘Environmental Monitors on Lobster Traps’ to collect information on temperature, salinity, and oxygen on the ocean floor; ALSI, ‘American Lobster Settlement Index,’ which helps identify lobster settlement patterns; Lobstermen’s Knowledge Trust, a project in which lobstermen collectively own their chartplotter data and decide how their fishing locations are presented and shared in response to marine spatial planning; and ‘Navigating the New Arctic,’ (NNA) which links changes in the Arctic to the biological, economic, and social dynamics of the industry. Among the products of NNA will be tools for understanding future scenarios of the fishery, based on the individual decision-making strategies of fishermen. Each of these projects relies on the expertise and knowledge of fishermen, and each gives back by increasing our understanding of how the lobster industry will weather an uncertain future. The first hour of the seminar will include four 15-minute presentations by the participants and/or leaders of each of the four projects (potential speakers: George Maynard, NOAA/NMFS; Kathleen Reardon, DMR, Lobster Fishery Biologist, Curt Brown, Ready Seafood; Patrice McCarron, MLA; and Theresa Burnham, UMaine & Kanae Tokunaga, GMRI). The last 30 minutes will provide attendees an opportunity to meet individually with the project coordinators to learn more about how to participate in these and similar collaborative research efforts.
Seminar Host Director: Katie Werner
Moderator: Chris Cash, Executive Director, The Lobster Institute Chris Brehme, Project Director, The Lobster Institute
Panelists:
Patrice McCarron, Executive Dorector, Maine Lobstermen’s Association
Chris Brehme, Project Director, Lobster Institute
George Maynard, eMOLT Coordinator, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Erin Pelletier, Executive Director, Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation
Kathleen Reardon, Lobster Fishery Biologist, DMR
Curt Brown, commercial lobsterman, marine biologist for Ready Seafood
Theresa Burnham-Knight, Social Oceans Lab, University of Maine
Kanae Tokunaga, Senior Scientist, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Saturday Seminars 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. (Golf Club)
Maine Elver Fisherman’s Association Annual Meeting
The 2025 annual meeting for the Maine Elver Fisherman’s Association at the Fishermen’s Forum provides an important opportunity where trends and data regarding the American Eel and Maine’s Glass Eel fishery are presented. This venue provides for everyone from Harvesters to Regulators and Market Participants to gather in one place. Up to date Information will be presented by Dwayne Shaw of Downeast Salmon Federation about large-scale habitat restoration projects including dam removals and fish passage improvement in several river systems in Maine which will impact American Eel. There will be Information presented about market demand in the U.S. and Canada by Mitchell Feigenbaum, who also sits on the American Eel Advisory Panel for Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Our other Panelists from Maine Department of Marine Resources including Commissioner Pat Keliher will provide updates from the management and law enforcement perspective and any potential changes in regulation that may affect the industry moving forward. DMR Scientist Jason Bartlett will present data from his work catching and counting eels at one of the few official survey sites in Maine. We feel these Panelists cover a wide range of issues regarding the American Eel and Maine’s unique and valuable Glass Eel Fishery. With discussions and information presented from industry participants ranging from what is happening in our local rivers with Eels and their ecosystem, to what is happening internationally with harvest and market demand, this session will provide an educational opportunity for folks with an in person venue. Thank you,MEFA
Seminar Host Director: Mary Beth Tooley
Moderator: Jeffery Pierce, Maine Elver Fisherman’s Association Spokesperson
Panelists:
Megan Ware, Maine Department of Marine Resources Director of External Affairs
Patrick Keliher, Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner
Mitchell Feiganbaum, Vice President Delaware Valley Fisherman’s Company, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Advisory Panel member
Dwayne Shaw, Executive Director Down East Salmon Federation
Jason Bartlett Maine Department of Marine Resources Scientist
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. (Rockland Room)
Safety at Sea: Monitoring Channel 16 and Related Topics
This session is being presented under the auspices of the Maine Commercial Fishing Safety Council. Through this session, the Council intends to increase awareness of the importance and necessity of monitoring Channel 16. Lt Lindsey will review search and rescue operations and USCG Command Center procedures. He will discuss Rescue 21, the communications system that monitors Channel 16. Other panelists will review a draft of the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels Best Safety Practices Guide, developed by the National Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee (April 2024), review casualty data for USCG District 1, and discuss safety practices and training. We will engage the audience in a discussion around safe practices in Maine fisheries and aquaculture. Several safety items will be raffled-off during the session.
Seminar Host Director: Tom Duym
Moderator: Sgt. Mark Murry, Marine Patrol Sergeant
Panelists:
Lt. William Lindsey, Command Center Chief, USCG Sector Northern New England
Ann Backus, Instructor in Occupational Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health
Josh Duym, Owner, REDDE Marine Safety
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. (Rockport Room)
Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative Annual Report
The Maine Lobster fishery is facing many challenges throughout the supply chain. MLMC will address the ways that the organization works with fishermen, dealers and processors to design and implement marketing programs that address challenges and take advantage of opportunities to create demand for Maine Lobster. We will review results from the 2024 campaign and discuss strategic and tactical plans for 2025. Audience members will have ample opportunity to ask questions and gain a greater understanding of the role marketing plays in the Maine Lobster fishery.
Seminar Host Director: Katie Werner
Panelists:
Marianne LaCroix, executive director, Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
Kara Morrison, marketing manager, Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
Brian Langley, owner, Union River Lobster Pot Restaurant & MLMC President
Amanda Clayman, VP, Weber Shandwick
Amy Tessendorf, senior VP, Weber Shandwick
Josh Seifert, VP, Weber Shandwick
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. (Camden Room)
Expanding Maine’s Seafood Economy: Aquaculture Production, Distribution, and Consumer Preferences
Maine’s aquaculture production of bivalve shellfish has more than quadrupled over the past decade. This owes to early efforts to build market relationships and a reputation for high-quality products. With the rapid pace of growth in the recent decade combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing concern for market competition. Is the market becoming too saturated to the point where the growers cannot sell their products, or must accept a severe price drop? What are the challenges for expanding Maine’s seafood economy? What opportunities exist? The Maine Aquaculture Association, University of Maine, Maine Sea Grant, and Gulf of Maine Research Institute have partnered to answer these questions by exploring industry needs, supply chain logistical challenges, and consumer preferences. The seminar panelists will share findings from the past 3 years of collaboration and discuss the post-pandemic new normal and pathways for expanding Maine’s seafood economy.
Seminar Host Director: Michelle Brown
Panelists:
Christian Brayden, Project Manager, Maine Aquaculture Association
Kanae Tokunaga, Senior Research Scientist, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Kat Maltby, Assistant Research Scientist, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Caroline Noblet, Associate Professor, University of Maine
Keith Evans, Associate Professor, University of Maine
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Golf Club)
Downeast Lobstermen’s Association Meeting
This meeting of DELA will take up the issues of the marine industry. This is concerning the Downeast sector for the subject of survival within the fishery. All are welcome to attend. We also encourage all that are also interested in joining the Downeast Lobstermen’s Association.
Seminar Host Director: Sheila Dassett
10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Rockland Room)
Maine Fisheries: A History
Join us to look at some history of Maine’s commercial fishing and sea farming businesses and the perspective the past can give to Maine’s present working waterfronts. Robin Alden and Dana Morse will start at pre-colonial times, but focus on the stunning changes that have taken place over the last 50 years. We’ll have old photos and plenty of time for your memories and observations.
Seminar Host Director: Jen Levin
Moderator: Togue Brawn, Downeast Dayboat
Panelists:
Robin Alden, Former Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources , Founder of the Center for Maine Coastal Fisheries, Co-founder of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Dana Morse, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Rockport Room)
Maine DMR Lobster Science Update
Over 80% of American lobster landings in the US come from the Maine lobster fleet. The Maine DMR Lobster Monitoring and Research Program collects demographic data on the Gulf of Maine lobster population at different life stages through multiple long-term monitoring surveys including the Landings Program, Settlement Survey, Inshore Trawl Survey, Commercial At-Sea Sampling, Ventless Trap Survey, and Larval Survey. These data are used in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission American Lobster Stock Assessment to inform the management of this valuable fishery. Maine DMR staff will provide the annual update of all monitoring programs, new research, and discuss trends over time.
Seminar Host Director: Melissa Smith
Moderator: Kathleen Reardon, Lead Lobster Fishery Biologist, Maine DMR
Panelists:
Robyn Linner – Lead for ME/NH Trawl Survey, Maine DMR
Robert Russell – Coordinator for Settlement Survey, Maine DMR
Kristyn Kleman – Coordinator for Ventless Trap and Sea Sampling, Maine DMR
Heather Glon – Lead Lobster Research Biologist, Maine DMR
Anita Murray – Lead Passive Acoustic Monitoring Scientist, Maine DMR
Briony Donahue – Gear Library Coordinator, Maine DMR
Nathan Willse, Lobster Fishery Analyst, Maine DMR
10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (Camden Room)
Growing Careers: A Look into Maine’s Aquaculture Apprenticeship Programs
Maine is home to the nation’s first-ever registered Aquaculture Apprenticeship, a one-of-a-kind program that has attracted applicants locally and nationally. The apprenticeship blends practical on-the-water experience and technical training, creating opportunities for young people to establish fulfilling careers in aquaculture while supporting Maine’s working waterfronts. This session will feature a sneak preview of a short film about the apprenticeship, premiering in the spring, followed by an engaging panel discussion with program apprentices and host farmers. Panelists will share personal experiences, highlighting the program’s impact on their career development and the aquaculture sector. With workforce development as a top priority for the fishing and aquaculture sectors, this seminar provides insights into how initiatives like the apprenticeship can strengthen Maine’s working waterfronts and support the next generation of marine stewards.
Seminar Host Director: Sebastian Belle
Moderator: Trixie Betz, Outreach & Development Specialist, Maine Aquaculture Association
Panelists:
Katherine Lipp, Community Engagement Coordinator & Aquaculture Apprentice Graduate, Maine Aquaculture Association
Kelly Morgan, Aquaculture Apprentice at Ferda Farms
Michael Scannell, Aquaculture Apprentice at Madeleine Point Oyster Farm & Aquaculture Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
Andrew Hoffman, Aquaculture Apprentice at Bangs Island Mussels & Aquaculture Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
Brendan Parsons, Owner and Founder of Blackstone Point Oyster Co, Apprenticeship Host Farmer
1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. (Golf Club)
Alewife Harvesters Annual Meeting
Annual Business Meeting, followed by presentation for mike Brown on the state of the river herring fisheries & the opening of the 5 New River Herring Runs. Dr Wills on the Progress with Dam removal, Updates from ASMFC and other Managers.
Seminar Host Director: Mary Beth Tooley
Moderator: Jeffrey Pierce Executive Director ,Alewife Harvesters of Maine
Panelists:
Mike Thalhauser, Scientist, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Bailey Bowden, Dirctor Alewife harverts of Maine
Mike Brown,Fisheries Scientist, MDMR
Dr. Theo Wills, Scientist, MDMR
1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m. (Rockland Room)
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: Advancing Science with Industry Partners
Atlantic bluefin tuna are a large highly migratory species found throughout the north Atlantic basin. They support both commercial and recreational fisheries from Maine to Texas and like most exploited marine species, are exceptionally difficult to assess to determine stock status and set appropriate quotas. In the last decade, what we’ve learned about bluefin life history has increased exponentially, due almost entirely to industry cooperation including commercial and recreational permit holders and commercial dealers. Through these partnerships we know so much more about where tuna caught in the Gulf of Maine were spawned, where they travel throughout the year, how old they are, how their diet has changed and finally, groundbreaking research to estimate population size using genetics. This talk will highlight how critical industry cooperation was to this research, what those outcomes are, and the role industry can play as the full potential of genetic technology comes online.
Seminar Host Director: Melissa Smith
Moderator: Melissa Smith, Maine DMR
Panelists:
Walt Golet, Assistant Professor, University of Maine, Orono
Blaise Jenner, Highly Migratory Species Program, Maine DMR
1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m. (Rockport Room)
Marketing and Building the Maine Seafood Brand
The Gulf of Maine’s cold, clean waters produce some of the best seafood in the world. Marketing and building the Maine Brand are crucial to growing and sustaining thriving coastal communities and economies. Seafood offers opportunity, contributing roughly 3.2 billion dollars to the state’s economy in 2019 (SEA Maine). There’s potential for additional growth in sales/revenue including national and international recognition for Maine’s high-quality fresh, frozen, and value-added seafood products. Efforts to market Maine seafood are expanding, and with that, consumer interest and demand are growing. However, there is strong competition in the marketplace, which further underscores the need for Maine seafood to have a robust and sustainable marketing program. The panel will feature a range of entities actively working to promote Maine seafood and build the Maine Seafood Brand. A summary of what each entity does, how they work together to amplify rather than duplicate efforts will be shared, as well as how industry has benefitted from these collaborative efforts.
Seminar Host Director: Gayle Zydlewski
Moderator: Keri Kaczor, Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Program Manager, Maine Sea Grant
Panelists:
Marianne LaCroix, Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
Emily Lane, Maine Center for Entrepreneurs; Maine Seafood Promotion Council Co Chair
Togue Brawn, Downeast Dayboat; Maine Seafood Promotion Council Co Chair
Christian Brayden, Maine Aquaculture Association
Alicia Gaiero, Nauti Sisters Sea Farm
Kyle Foley, Gulf of Maine Research Institute
1:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m. (Camden Room)
Aquaculture From Around the Globe “Opportunities for Maine”
“Maine’s wild fisheries and aquaculture sector are faced with many challenges (the loss of a fishery, regulatory change or the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change) the list goes on. To ensure the survival and prosperity of Maine’s waterfront communities, constant adaptation and evolution of these industries is not just an option – it’s a necessity. One of the most effective strategies to drive industry growth is through “technology transfer.” Maine has leveraged technology transfer exchanges with great success in recent years to introduce new (native) species, technologies, culture techniques, equipment, market development and culinary uses for emerging species of shellfish and kelp. In this session each speaker will present their tech transfer findings in the Japanese style of presentation “PechaKucha”. This format involves each speaker sharing 20 slides, 20 seconds on each slide, with the slides advancing automatically. Each presentation will convey the experiences and lessons learned via photos with the speaker’s voice as the backdrop. Presentations will include Australian oysters, West Coast shellfish, kelp farming in Alaska and Japan, scallop farming in Japan and Atlantic Canada, wild scallop harvesting in France. Participants will enjoy a fast-paced colorful tour of aquaculture practices from around the world and come away feeling inspired and hopeful for the future of Maine’s aquaculture industry. Each presentation will include a brief Q&A opportunity.
Seminar Host Director: Hugh Cowperthwaite
Moderator: Hugh Cowperthwaite, Senior Program Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
Panelists:
Alicia Gaiero, Owner, Nauti Sisters Sea Farm
Kyle Pepperman, Associate Director, Downeast Institute
David Leith, Maine Family Seafarm Coop
Hugh Cowperthwaite, Senior Program Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
Dana Morse, Senior Extension Program Manager, Aquaculture Lead Maine Sea Grant and University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Connor O’neil, Owner, Maine Island Aquaculture
Togue Brawn, Founder/Owner, Downeast Dayboat; https://mainefishermensforum.org/2025-seminar-schedule/
2:45 p.m. (Golf Club)
Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association Meeting
This is the final get together before the start of the Maine lobster boat races in June. Any changes that were made at the annual meeting in October will be discussed as well as any new business.
Seminar Host Director: Katie Werner
Moderator:
Dana Beal, President, Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association
2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Rockland Room)
Maine’s Blue Economy Task Force
Last year, the legislature passed a bill establishing a Blue Economy Task Force to support Maine’s emergence as a center for blue economy innovation and opportunity in the 21st century. “Blue Economy” means business sectors that rely on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic health, improved livelihoods, jobs or ecosystem health. As directed, the Task Force completed its work and delivered a report to the legislature on February 1, 2025. This session will provide an overview of the Task Force’s work and recommendations, describe how it addressed the needs and opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and what its vision represents for the future of Maine’s coastal communities. Members of the consulting team that led this work will be joined by Task Force members to discuss the process, outcomes, and future of this work and take questions from the audience.
Seminar Host Director: Sebastian Belle
Moderator: Laura Singer, Principal SAMBAS Consulting
Panelists:
Michael Conathan, Managing Partner, Upwell Collaborative
Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association
Sebastian Belle, Executive Director, Maine Aquaculture Association
Ben Conniff, Chief Innovation Officer, Luke’s Lobster
Nick Battista, Chief Policy Officer, Island Institute
2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Rockport Room)
Health and Safety Preparedness for Fishermen
The safety of fishermen and their vessels can be significantly improved through advanced preparation and training. This session will feature firsthand accounts from fishermen who have faced serious safety challenges and those who have successfully completed safety training. Participants will gain valuable insights into available safety training programs, equipment maintenance services, life jackets, and first aid techniques. Additionally, two lucky attendees will have the chance to win a life jacket, generously donated by Hamilton Marine.
Seminar Host Director: Maggie Raymond
Moderator: Maggie Raymond, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Panelists:
Captain Robert Roberge, F/V Three Girls
Tim Barrett, F/V Justice
Captain Clint Prindle, USCG District One Chief of Staff
John Roberts, Director Safety Training, Fishing Partnership Support Services
Tyler Robillard, Commercial Fisherman
Tom Dyum, Fisheries Education Specialist, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Pat Shepard, Redde Marine
Shannon Eldredge, Fishing Partnership Support Services
2:45 p.m. -4:30 p.m. (Camden Room)
Decarbonizing Maine’s Working Coastline
The transportation sector represents the largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with maritime activities comprising a significant portion of these outputs. As climate change intensifies, commercial fishing and maritime industries must develop comprehensive decarbonization strategies that are both technically feasible and economically viable. This abstract explores emerging technological solutions for electrifying maritime operations, with a specific focus on Maine’s working waterfronts. Recent innovations are creating unprecedented opportunities for commercial fishermen and aquaculturists to transition toward more sustainable practices through targeted investments in green technologies. Innovative financing mechanisms are now supporting this critical transition. The Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) Marine Green Loans program offers specialized funding for climate-friendly projects, including vessel retrofitting, electric marine engines, battery systems, solar charging infrastructure, and efficiency-enhancing technologies. These loans enable maritime professionals to implement cutting-edge solutions across multiple domains: vessel propulsion, cargo handling, shore-side infrastructure, and energy storage. Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors are driving technological advancements in electric boat technologies, hybrid propulsion systems, and comprehensive maritime decarbonization strategies. By leveraging expert knowledge, grant opportunities, and innovative financing, Maine’s maritime industries can play a pivotal role in the broader energy transformation while maintaining economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility.
Seminar Host Director: Hugh Cowperthwaite
Moderator: Phoebe Walsh, Center for Maine Economy, Island Institute
Panelists:
Lia Morris, Senior Community Development Officer, Island Institute
Nick Planson, Founder, Shred Electric
Nick Branchina, Director Fisheries & Aquaculture, Coastal Enterprises Institute
Steve Train, Captain, F/VMarcia and F/V Edward L Train
Alicia Gaiero, Owner, Nauti Sisters
Noah Oppenheim, Principal, Homarus Strategies
A special thank you to our 2026 sponsors.
