2025 Seminar Schedule and Descriptions
Friday, February 28, 2025
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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