About Us | MLCA

MLCA's MISSION

To foster thriving coastal communities and preserve Maine’s lobstering heritage.

The Maine lobster industry serves as a model for sustainable fisheries around the world. The Maine Lobster Community Alliance (MLCA) serves as an education and charitable organization serving both fishermen and the general public who feel a strong affinity for this historic fishery and its people.

The Maine Lobster Community Alliance (MLCA)

was formed in 2010 with a vision to:

Strive to preserve Maine's lobster industry.
Educate the public about Maine’s lobstering heritage.
Reinforce and pursue scientific research that furthers sustainability.
Support distressed fishing families and their community.

MLCA's programs include conservation, leadership training, scientific investigation, and education

through its monthly newspaper, "Landings."

“The MLCA’s mission is to foster thriving coastal communities and preserve Maine’s lobstering

heritage. MLCA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which achieves its charitable mission through programs in education, research and charity.”

Ways to Give

“There is no doubt that the lobster industry in Maine is

among the most — if not the most — important in the state in terms of economic impact and cultural identity.”

How important is the lobster fishery to the Maine coast?

What will be the economic impact of a reduction in the harvest due to regulations or to a changing Gulf of Maine?

Read our series on the lobster fishery's economic impact and discover how each part of the Maine coast depends on this industry to survive and thrive.

Part 1: Downeast & Stonington

Backbone of Coastal Economy at Risk as Lobster Fishery Threatened

Part 2: Midcoast

Lobster, Tourism Sustain the Midcoast Maine Economy

Part 3: Southern Maine

Lobster is the Engine of the Southern Maine Economy

Part 4: Statewide

The Lobster Industry and Maine are Inextricably Linked

MLCA's Programs

Maine Lobstermen Leadership Institute

Currently working to relaunch Fall 2025!

The Maine Lobstermen Leadership Institute is coming back in with a renewed focus on building strong leaders, resilient businesses, and skilled crews for the future of Maine’s lobster industry.

A collaboration between the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) and the Maine Lobster Community Alliance, this refreshed program builds on a proud tradition of developing civic leaders within Maine’s lobster industry who are committed to preserving the economic vitality of coastal communities and promoting long-term stewardship of the resource.

What the Program Will Offer:

Lobstermen get off their boats and out of their harbors for a rare opportunity to see the full picture... how Maine’s lobster fishery works at the local, state, and national levels, and how it fits into a changing global landscape.

Participants will take part in a three-part program that includes:

Leadership Training
Focused on advocacy, communication, and civic engagement, this component helps lobstermen strengthen their voices in policy and community conversations.
One-on-One Business Support
Practical, personalized help with financial planning, business operations, and succession strategies for independent owner-operators.
Sternman Training Program
A hands-on, structured training track to develop the next generation of qualified, dependable crew — a growing need along the coast.

The Institute covers key topics such as:

Lobster fishery science and management
The marine ecosystem and conservation
Lobster markets and global trade
Cultural exchange with other fishing communities
Learning from current industry leaders through peer-to-peer mentoring

The program is especially designed for younger lobstermen looking to expand their skills and step into leadership roles and includes opportunities to learn from seasoned civic leaders throughout Maine’s fishing communities.

Interested in joining the next session of the Maine Lobstermen Leadership Institute? Call us at 207-967-6221.

This program is made possible by donations and support from our generous sponsors.

🎯 Click to donate or contact Kevin Kelley at kevin@mainelobstermen.org to become a business sponsor.

SUPPORT

Lobstermen Relief Fund

The MLCA Relief Fund supports the distressed commercial lobstermen and their families. The Relief Fund accepts public contributions used to support Harvester families throughout Maine in times of need.

Requests for assistance are handled on a case by case basis and reviewed quarterly. For more information, please contact the MLCA office directly at 207-967-6221.

Citizen Maine is a Damariscotta-based clothing company whose mission is to influence social and environmental change by donating 10% of proceeds to organizations that share their values.

The MLCA is honored to be a part of that mission. 10% of proceeds from their Lobster Collection will be donated to The Lobstermen’s Relief Fund in Maine. Feel free to shop today!