Maine Fisherman’s Forum

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