The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries (formerly, the Penobscot East Resource Center) is a non-profit organization that works to secure a diversified fishing future for the communities of Eastern Maine and beyond.

Program Overview:

The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries works to secure a diversified fishing future for communities of eastern Maine and beyond.  Our programs provide innovation and leadership to advance science, management and policy, and are woven together by environmental, economic and civic threads. Learn more

1) Downeast Groundfish Initiative

Fishermen in communities throughout downeast Maine are mostly inshore and small scale, with smaller boats that stay within a day’s trip of home.  The key to sustainability in these communities is having diverse marine resources that fishermen can pursue throughout the year, perhaps fishing for shrimp in the winter, scallops in spring, and lobster in summer.  But currently, fishermen in downeast Maine are more than 90% dependent on one species – lobster.  As robust as the populations have been in recent years, over dependence on one species is a risky strategy, particularly with changing climate and ocean conditions.  The Downeast Groundfish Initiative (DEGI) is a multifaceted process of science, policy, and collaboration to rebuild and protect diverse stocks of groundfish, provide access to fishing rights, and assure profitability.

Learn more about the Downeast Groundfish Initiative>

2) Education

Educating and supporting the next generation of fishermen, managers and scientists. The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries is committed to public education on fishing and fisheries issues. Our outreach takes many forms and operates at different levels.  The opening of our building in 2010 enabled us to significantly increase our ability to serve the community and provide educational opportunities.

Downeast Fisheries Center

The Downeast Fisheries Center, located in the heart of our waterfront headquarters, is a permanent public education and exhibit space.  The Center provides an opportunity for locals, visitors and students to learn about the issues confronting the Maine fisheries industry and to develop an understanding of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem.  We strive to provide an interactive experience.  In 2013 we opened a Touch Tank that brings marine life to the Center for all to see.  The Downeast Fisheries Center is staffed Sunday through Friday from 10am – 4pm.

Learn more about our education programs >

3) Policy & Advocacy

The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries is non-profit organization that provides programs and resources that bring value to fishermen on a daily basis.  It’s a grassroots, all-hands-on-deck effort.  We know and understand fishing because we live it.  But to build a secure future for the fishing industry in eastern Maine and beyond, there must be leadership and advocacy in fisheries management and regulation.The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries is uniquely positioned to connect fishermen, scientists and government officials.

Learn more about our Policy & Advocacy programs >