The Maine Sea Grant, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the Lobster Institute and the Island Institute are sponsoring informative sessions on how commercial fishermen and aquaculturists can tap into the tourism industry—and vice versa — to diversify everyone’s sources of income.
These workshops, free of charge, will feature guest speakers on the important legal issues of running a tour on your fishing boat or on your farm, the ways in which seafood producers can build relationships with tour operators, restaurant owners and innkeepers to enhance their respective businesses, and more.
The workshops will cover:
What is the legal and organizational framework regarding fisheries/aquaculture and tourism? Including:
· Safety, liability and insurance issues.
· Vessel requirements and captain’s licenses.
· Aquaculture-specific issues.
· Fisheries-related permit requirements.
· Partnerships, contracts, and business models.
· Tourism marketing and partnership opportunities.
· Other laws such as ADA compliance, Coast Guard regulations and more.
· Opportunities to connect with resource people to help you get started or go deeper with your ideas.
Stories from the field:
· Hear from fishermen and shellfish farmers involved in fisheries or aquaculture related tourism explain how have they set themselves up, what has worked, lessons learned, etc.
· Learn about related efforts and opportunities underway in Maine and beyond such as Experience Maritime Maine, Downeast Fisheries Trail, Bold Coast Scenic Byway, and businesses elsewhere that can serve as models for your own great ideas.
Register now for these opportunities to discuss diversifying your income through tourism and seafood industry partnerships. Though the workshops are free (including food), registration is required.
The workshops are scheduled for:
* Belfast on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Hutchinson center (5-8 pm with pizza).
* Machias on Thursday, Dec 12 at Machias Savings Bank Community Room (5-8 pm with pizza).
* Portland on Thursday, Dec 13 at USM Abromson Building (1-4 pm with snacks).
See:
http://www.seagrant.umaine.edu/fisheries-tourism
If you are unable to attend in person, please contact Andy Dorr (adorr@islandinstitute.org, 594-9209 ext. 127) and ask about viewing the webinar. Register by Friday Dec 6 so we can provide you with the online link to view the presentations.