CHARTING THE FUTURE OF MAINE SEAFOOD

SEA Maine, an industry-led initiative to chart the future of Maine’s seafood and marine economy, will release an economic development roadmap this fall. The focus: how Maine can remain resilient in the face of climate and economic disruption and ensure that Maine’s seafood economy continues to grow. A few highlights from what SEA Maine has learned so far:

Economic Impact

The first statewide economic study of Maine’s entire seafood sector uncovered some key data:

• The seafood sector contributed over $3.2 billion dollars in total economic output.

• Over 33,300 jobs statewide are in the seafood sector.

• The sector supports $1.3 billion in total labor income.

LESS WASTE, MORE PRODUCTS — THE POWER OF RESIDUALS

A study of residuals (“waste” byproducts) found:

• Maine has an estimated 57 million lbs of residuals generated every year (about 25% of the total annual seafood volume in Maine).

• Opportunities for these residuals abound and include production of healthcare and medicinal applications, textiles and bioplastics, nutritional products, novel food ingredients, pet food and treats, and plant stimulants and fertilizer.

WORKFORCE, WORKFORCE, WORKFORCE

SEA Maine completed a baseline workforce study to ensure a robust workforce for the future of Maine’s marine and seafood economy. As part of that initiative, SEA Maine will host a Seafood Educators’ Network Summit on October 6, 2023 and will launch a series of talent attraction videos and incentives in the coming months.

SEA Maine, or the Seafood Economic Accelerator for Maine, is an industry-led initiative bringing together leaders in Maine’s commercial fishing, aquaculture, seafood and marine economy. Funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, with match funding from the Maine Technology Institute and FocusMaine, the statewide initiative is developing a roadmap and action plan for economic growth, market and workforce development, and greater resiliency in Maine’s seafood economy.