Island Institute program will offer career training for fishing communities

File photo / Laurie Schreiber Island Institute said it has received a $1.4 million award from the Small Business Administration to support Maine's lobster industry and "enhance the economic resilience of the coastal communities dependent on this vital fishery."

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By Peter Van Allen

Island Institute on Thursday said it has received a $1.4 million award from the Small Business Administration to support Maine's lobster industry and "enhance the economic resilience of the coastal communities dependent on this vital fishery."

The funding, which came through congressionally directed spending, will launch the Future of Fishing program. It's a collaborative effort designed to expand economic opportunities for Maine’s coastal communities, building on the institute’s partnerships to advance a diversified, climate-forward marine economy in Maine, the Rockland-based nonprofit said.

The funding was secured by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine.

Photo / Courtesy, Nicole Wolf

Kimberly Hamilton, president of Island Institute

“This funding is not just an investment in the lobster industry, it is an investment in the communities that have built their lives around these waters,” said Kimberly A. Hamilton, president of Island Institute.

“We are immensely grateful to Sens. Collins and King for their unwavering support and recognition of the importance of
Maine’s island and coastal communities. With this support, we can begin implementing transformative changes that promise a sustainable future for the coast.”

Maine’s fishing communities face historic challenges such as rapidly warming waters, more frequent and severe storms, costly regulatory changes and rising business costs.

Overall, Maine’s seafood sector is responsible for more than $3 billion in total economic output and more than 33,000 jobs statewide.

Lobstering is the largest portion of that, with 76% of the total value of "landings," according to the state Department of Marine Resources. In 2023, the lobster catch was valued at $464.4 million, up from $392.3 million in 2022 but down from a peak of $742.86 million in 2021.

“This investment will create much needed capacity to help Maine's coastal businesses and communities adapt to a changing world,” says Charles Rudelitch, executive director of the Sunrise County Economic Council.

“Island Institute is a valued partner, and we have learned a great deal from their pioneering approach to community development. We look forward to working closely as we both work to strengthen the working waterfront, fisheries, and seafood businesses that support thousands of families in Washington County.”

Island Institute program

Led by Island Institute, the Future of Fishing project will create a network of statewide organizations that develop and deploy assistance for businesses, communities and individuals. Th three-year initiative will create new, and tailor existing, business and career training programs to the needs of rural fishing communities and families.

The efforts will include business management assistance and training, opportunities to explore diversified on-the-water income streams such as aquacultural farming, and assistance finding financial resources and educational opportunities.

The $1.4 million in congressionally directed spending will fund the project with a total estimated cost of $3 million. Island Institute will continue to seek additional support from foundations, corporations and individuals to fund its work in fishing-dependent communities.

Key projects

Business resilience and skills development: Island Institute will collaborate with local business development organizations, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, and educational institutions to provide hands-on financial tools and entrepreneurship training to help small businesses understand their financial standing, manage risks, and seize emerging opportunities within and beyond the traditional lobstering industry.

Support entrepreneurship and diversify income: With nearly 3,000 lobstering licenses held within our target areas, the need for diversification has never been more critical. Island Institute’s initiatives will guide owner-operator lobstering families to explore and develop alternative business models and income sources, ensuring their resilience against economic pressures.

Strengthen community assets: Island Institute’s efforts will also extend to protecting working waterfronts and supporting the infrastructure, such as wharves, that are essential to sustaining Maine’s marine businesses. This support will include direct assistance to small businesses critical to maintaining the economic vitality and tax bases
of these communities.

“Change is here, and fishermen and women are resourceful,” says Bob Baines, a Spruce Head fisherman and representative to the Maine Climate Council. “But it is not always easy for people along the coast to access the resources they need. The work Island Institute is doing with these partners will help people and businesses access critical business and career support as our coast grapples with these changes.”

Partnerships for lasting impact: Island Institute remains committed to working closely with community leaders, industry experts, local stakeholders, and donors to ensure the success of this project. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Institute and its partners aim to create lasting impacts that will benefit Maine’s lobster industry and, most importantly, the families and communities whose livelihoods depend on it.

Congressional support

“Island Institute provides critical support to the hardworking men and women who make up Maine’s iconic lobster industry, helping to ensure our coastal communities continue to thrive amid climate and economic challenges,” said Collins, who is vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“From Damariscotta to Eastport, this federal funding will support Island Institute’s efforts to promote business development and resiliency in communities along Maine’s coast.”

“The lobster industry is a cornerstone of Maine’s culture and identity, fueling livelihoods and the economy,” said King. “The hardworking men and women who power the fishery are seeing firsthand the impacts of changes in weather and the water, so we have a responsibility to empower them through boosting collaborative efforts and information-sharing across the industry.

"This federal investment will help build a more sustainable industry and ensure Maine’s lobstermen have the resources and partners they need to strengthen their businesses. When we invest in the lobster fishery, we make an investment in the future of Maine for generations to come.”