Enhancing Economic Resilience in Maine’s Fishing Communities
Through Island Institute’s Future of Fishing initiative, we’re helping strengthen the small businesses that are the backbone of Maine’s marine economy. From lobstermen to co-ops to sea farmers, working waterfront communities are crucial to local economies—and they’re under pressure.
We know that increasing challenges—from rising operational costs to warming waters—are reshaping how people make a living on the water. In 2025, lobster landings in Maine were at their lowest since 2008, and lobstermen also reported <21,000 fewer trips compared to the year before. These numbers, along with stories shared by community partners, reflect the economic uncertainty that many fishing families are increasingly experiencing.
By focusing on business resilience, income diversification, and policy engagement, Island Institute is helping fishing communities build a marine economy that will grow and lead as a model of innovation for generations to come.
Are you a fisherman? Explore resources designed for you in our Future of Fishing Toolkit!
Future of Fishing in Action
Stories of Impact: Caden Blackwood
Caden Blackwood of Bucksport is passionate about lobstering. To expand his skills, he set out to learn welding—a trade that complements his fishing career and creates new opportunities.
In the News: New Program Aims to Help Lobstermen Adapt to Industry Changes
Island Institute teamed up with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs to launch the Fishing Plus Accelerator. The program helped fishermen build on their existing skills while diversifying their income through new business ventures.
Stories of Impact: Eastern Edge Sea Salt
Kelly and Ronnie Hinkle, an industrious father-son duo, are lobstermen who also run a small kelp processing business. Together, they're adapting and diversifying their income by launching Eastern Edge Sea Salt.
The Working Waterfront Newspaper: Startup wants to help lobstermen raise scallops
A startup is helping Maine lobstermen farm scallops alongside their existing work, creating a new, flexible source of income. Their approach shows how aquaculture can help fishermen stay resilient amid changing ocean and market conditions.
Day in Community: Sam Feldman, Oyster Farm Tour
To raise awareness about the many benefits of aquaculture, Island Institute host educational tours, connecting decision-makers with local sea farmers to experience the work and learn about aquaculture firsthand.
The Working Waterfront Newspaper: Leaning into fishing
A student-led program is helping young fishermen build the practical skills they need for careers in Maine's complex fishing industry. By tackling topics like marine safety and policy, it’s equipping the next generation to enter the workforce more informed and adaptable.
Supporting Fishing Families and Communities
Island Institute works with fishermen, sea farmers, and marine businesses to strengthen livelihoods, support coastal economies, and build long-term community resilience. Our Future of Fishing initiative provides tailored support to fishing families and the businesses they are connected to in order to meet today’s challenges and prepare for the future.
INCOME DIVERSIFICATION
As changing seas and regulations make traditional fisheries less predictable, diversifying income is more important than ever. Island Institute works with fishermen—particularly lobstermen—and their family members to explore new opportunities like aquaculture, helping them adapt to shifting economic realities and build more stable futures.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
Much of Maine’s marine economy is powered by small, family-run businesses. By offering access to funding, resources, and technical assistance, Island Institute is bolstering the economic resilience of these essential, hardworking businesses and the people who run them.
SKILLS FOR BUSINESS & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
A resilient marine economy depends on a strong workforce. Island Institute supports community “connectivity” hubs in rural coastal towns—expanding access to high-speed internet and digital skills—while partnering with communities to develop programs that help people thrive in Maine’s evolving marine economy.
AQUACULTURE EDUCATION TOURS
Island Institute hosts sea farm tours to educate local decision-makers about the opportunities and challenges facing Maine’s growing aquaculture industry. These tours bring together bring together federal, state, municipal, and community leaders to experience aquaculture first-hand.
INNOVATIVE FISHING GEAR
Maine’s lobster industry is navigating federal legal action to reduce the risk to North Atlantic right whales from gear entanglements. In collaboration with Maine Department of Marine Resources and nonprofit partners, Island Institute is working with lobstermen to test on-demand gear and generate real-world data to better understand how this gear operates, quantify the risk reduction of this type of gear and engage in upcoming regulatory decisions.
Meet the Future of Fishing Team
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Ken Stevenson oversees the Future of Fishing initiative, bringing years of community development leadership to the program. Most recently, Ken worked at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, where he focused on programing that helped students discover workforce pathways beyond traditional four-year universities.. Reach out to Ken at kstevenson@islandinstitute.org
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Kristin Garabedian‘s work centers around collaboration with lobster fishermen, partner organizations, and state entities to support the Innovative Fishing Gear Library project led by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Reach out to Kristin at kgarabedian@islandinstitute.org
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Bruce Doughty is a commercial fisherman with over fifteen years on the water, bringing deep knowledge of Maine’s working waterfront and credibility within the fishing industry, particularly Downeast. This experience shapes his community-centered approach to coastal resilience, aiming to ensure communities and ecosystems thrive together. Reach out to Bruce at bdoughty@islandinstitute.org
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Sam Feldman uses his aquaculture expertise to provide sea farms with the technical assistance they need to transition their businesses away from fossil fuels. Additionally, he assists with clean energy projects including the adaptation of electric outboard motors for working waterfront applications. Reach out to Sam at sfeldman@islandinstitute.org
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Climate Solutions
Explore how Island Institute is strengthening coastal livelihoods and supporting Maine’s working waterfronts.
Learn moreMarine Economy
Explore how Island Institute is helping coastal communities navigate the impacts of climate change with innovative solutions.
Learn moreLet's stand behind Maine's fishing communities
Join us in our work supporting Maine’s lobster fishery and the island and coastal communities who depend on it.
