The 34th annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held on March 5, 6, and 7 at the Samoset Resort in Rockland. The following are sessions in which work has been done in collaboration with the Island Institute. For more information and the full schedule of sessions go to: http://www.mainefishermensforum.org/
“Economics 101-Marketing”
On Thursday of the Fishermen’s Forum, please join us for an informal seminar to learn more about how innovative marketing can increase what a seafood consumer is willing to pay, or simply allow the harvester to keep a greater share of it. Innovative marketing is a long overlooked but potentially key component of future fisheries management strategy. In this section, Glen Libby, Claire Bissell and Laura Kramar (Midcoast Fishermen’s Cooperative, Port Clyde Fresh Catch) will be available to discuss their experiences with direct-to-consumer marketing and other innovative marketing methods including local community supported fisheries for shrimp and groundfish, along with other experiences from around the country.
“Back to the Future: Selling Your Catch the Old Way”
Mainers are leading the pack by pioneering ways to buy directly from their local food producers. How do you capitalize on this trend? This session puts you in touch with people who are doing local market transformation and can help you get started. Panelists will discuss working with chefs, cooperatives, restaurants and retailers; as well as working with fishing communities to create Community Supported Fisheries (CSFs); and educating consumers on quality and availability of local seafood and importance of supporting their local fishermen. This seminar will be led by Niaz Dorry, Director of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance.
“Climate Change Through the Eyes of Fishermen”
Fishermen and scientists will share their thoughts about the effects of climate change on the Gulf of Maine, lobsters, fishermen, and communities. Hear the results from last summer’s industry-wide survey and find out who wins the drawing for three Hamilton Marine gift certificates. This session will be a continuation of a discussion (now in its third year) with a group of fishermen from all along the Maine coast about their observations of climate change.
“Communities at Sea: Where Markets, Policy, Research and Funders Intersect to Produce Sustainable Fisheries and Fishing Communities”
How a group of fishermen came together and gained the support of a wide range of people and organizations. Hear from the Midcoast Fishermen’s Association (MFA) and a number of their partners about their collaboration and how they are working together toward sustaining fisheries and communities. A publication will be released during this panel discussion that summarizes the MFA’s work to date. The Island Institute will facilitate this session.
“Shorts”
Be the first to see this compilation of bold, entertaining, inspiring short films about the current trends affecting the lobster fishery, followed by a feedback session with the video production team. This series is not instructional or prescriptive. Rather, the goal is to use irreverence and humor to serve as a catalyst for discussion, initiative, and action in its aftermath. This video project is a collaborative effort by the Island Institute, Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Downeast Lobstermen’s Association, Penobscot East Resource Center, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation.