MTI, FocusMaine to lead $2M roadmapping for state's marine industries
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With the federal grant, an industry collaboration will develop a strategic roadmap for Maine's marine sector, including lobstering, other forms of commercial fishing, and aquaculture.
Maine’s marine economy may get a boost from a new industry-led strategic planning initiative that has just received a $2 million federal grant.
The three-year project, the Maine Marine Living Resource Economy Initiative, aims to better match Maine’s marine products with global markets, attract new investment, and bolster the industry’s workforce, according to a news release Thursday.
Coordinated by the Maine Technology Institute and FocusMaine, the venture has won an Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Bill Mook, of Mook Sea Farms in Walpole, and Curt Brown, a marine biologist at Ready Seafood in Portland, will co-chair the initiative. A cross-section of industry leaders from the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries, as well as marine researchers, scientists and educators, are also expected to participate.
Maine’s marine industries in 2016 employed nearly 16,000 people, including fishermen, related shoreside workers and employees in supply-chain businesses such as seafood processors and transportation companies. Among its specific goals, the initiative will identify workforce needs and skills gaps, build training resources, and attract new talent to the sector, according to MTI and FocusMaine.
“MTI is keenly aware of the dire economic and environmental pressures facing the marine sector in Maine — one of our state’s most critical industries,” said MTI President Brian Whitney in the release. “That’s why we are so encouraged by the collaborative, cross-sector effort to sustain and grow Maine's marine economy.”
FocusMaine President Kimberly Hamilton said, “This infusion of resources comes at an especially critical time and will strengthen Maine’s competitiveness, support Maine's sea farmers, and build the skills and talent needed to transform our heritage marine economy into a modern engine for sustainable economic and job growth.”
In a joint statement, Maine’s congressional delegation praised the new initiative and the grant award.
“Maine’s marine economy is an engine that has powered our state for generations, and we are committed to supporting its continued success,” said U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine, and U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine 1st District, and Jared Golden, D-Maine 2nd District.
“This funding from the EDA will support those industry-led efforts to foster innovation and adaptability, and improve current and future workforce needs, which are needed now more than ever to help this vital sector weather the coronavirus pandemic and future challenges.”
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