Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries is a non-profit organization that works to secure a diversified fishing future for the communities of Eastern Maine and beyond. We do this by developing and implementing innovative programs that provide value for today’s fishermen and drive more sustainable management approaches for future fisheries. An essential component of our work is connecting the knowledge of fishermen, the findings of scientists, and the world of policy makers.
Fish Forever - Our Challenge, Our Opportunity
Local Knowledge
Policy
Research
People are integral to the change we seek.
Our goals are big: to educate the rising generation, empower today’s fishermen, and inspire community stakeholders to advocate both in their own interest and in the long-term interest of our fisheries and communities.
Connecting the fishing business with regulatory approaches
Fisheries management and policy should be woven together by environmental, economic, and civic threads and need to deliver programs and services that local fishermen need now to succeed and adapt to changing fisheries. To build a secure future for the fishing industry, there must be leadership and advocacy in fisheries management and policy.
Integrating fishermen’s knowledge and experience into social and marine science
The goal of collaborative research is to enhance the science and social science used in the management of fisheries and to facilitate further collaboration among scientists, fishermen, and other fishery stakeholders. Collaborative science is a platform for fishermen’s participation in research design, data collection, information-sharing, and analysis to increase understanding of marine stewardship.
A Beacon of Success in Maine, a Model for Places Beyond
Eastern Maine is a place where fishing can be sustained, forever. Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries was founded in 2003 on the principle that the only way the resources of the oceans will be protected and sustained is through joint stakeholder stewardship: collective action of fishermen and their communities, supported by science and working in combination with regulatory authorities at all levels.
Alewife Co-Management
Alewives are a critical prey species to spur the recovery of groundfish species like cod & haddock while also providing commercial lobster bait and food for human consumption.
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Groundfish Restoration
To restore the cod, haddock, pollock, and flounder fishery as a pillar of Maine’s coastal economy will take science, policy innovation, advocacy and vision.
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Scallop Co-Management
The successful Maine scallop co-management system is a demonstration of what is possible if fishermen and regulators work together to restore and manage a fishery.
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