Island Institute co-planned and facilitated two sessions at this year’s Fishermen’s Forum. We asked our programs staff to reflect on the conversations, lectures, and lessons of this year’s Forum. Here’s what they had to say.
Tag: Marine Economy
Trashion Tuesdays
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under In the news.
Island Institute Fellow Elizabeth Dyer has been busy teaching area children fun lessons in sustainability since she began her position in the summer of 2025. Dyer has worked on a variety of energy-related projects with several organizations during her fellowship.
Congressional investment in science essential to protect our ocean
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under In the news.
Over the past year, Maine Ocean Voices Engage (MOVE), a coalition of ocean-focused organizations — research institutions, science centers, fishing and aquaculture associations, universities, and community groups — collaborated to help policymakers understand what this funding supports in practice.
Thousands gather for 51st annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under In the news.
The annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum—which has welcomed fishermen, researchers, scientists, and more for over 50 years—showcases solutions for sustaining fishing livelihoods in a changing Gulf of Maine.
Day in Community: Kate Cart, Island Institute Fellow
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
From writing grants to photographing clam diggers, spend a day with Kate Cart, the Island Institute Fellow in Phippsburg, ME!
Our Top Five Stories of 2025
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
We looked back through the articles, videos, and blogs Island Institute produced this past year and compiled our favorites. Check out our top five stories of 2025!
Day in Community: Sam Feldman, Oyster Farm Tour
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Join Island Institute community development officer and former oyster farm manager, Sam Feldman, for a day in his life hosting a tour of an oyster farm on Casco Bay, Maine.
Island Institute and Maine Center for Entrepreneurs Partner to Launch First-Ever Accelerator Program for Lobster Fishing Families
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Island Institute is teaming up with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs to launch the Fishing Plus Accelerator, a program for fishing families to explore new business opportunities to diversify their income in the face of climate and industry changes.
Investing in Resilience
Posted by Gerogia Howe & filed under Blog.
Rising costs, environmental changes, and shifting markets are reshaping the backbone of Maine’s marine economy: the lobster industry. Island Institute is working with fishing families to navigate these challenges by supporting small business diversification to create new sources of income.
Day in Community: Jack Sullivan, Multimedia Storytelling
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
Join Island Institute’s multimedia storyteller, Jack Sullivan, for a day in his life of filming in Boothbay Harbor with the Maine Department of Marine Resources.