Get ready for the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, live and in-person, from March 2 to 4 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport!
Returning for the first time in three years, the Maine Fishermen’s Forum will bring together the men and women of Maine and New England’s commercial fisheries, as well as scientists, state and federal officials, politicians and students for three days of seminars, workshops and events. This year’s seminar topics range from Management Actions Affecting Gillnet Fisheries, Plastic Aquaculture Gear, Economics of the Lobster Fleet, the annual Department of Marine Resources Lobster Science Update, Gulf of Maine Scallop Fishery, and a Seafood Cooking Demonstration, to name a few.
The Maine Lobstermen’s Association will hold its annual meeting, in person for the first time in two years, on Friday, March 3, at 9 a.m.
This year’s event features the largest trade show in the history of the Forum, with exhibitors featuring lobster traps, marine electronics, new fishing gear, boatbuilders and more. A Coast Guard-approved ASHI First Aid/CPR training course will be offered on Thursday, March 2 at the Samoset to just 10 applicants for a $50 fee (applications are available online at the Maine Fishermen's Forum).
Spirits run high at the Forum's Friday night auction (M. Young photo)
As ever, there will be plenty of opportunity to socialize and have fun with friends. Thursday night’s Seafood Reception highlights the wide variety of Maine’s marine species. The Friday evening Fish Dinner, sponsored by the Portland Fish Exchange, will be followed by the exciting live auction which benefits the Forum’s scholarship fund. Saturday night’s banquet and dance will bring the annual Forum to a close.
The Friday scholarship auction and silent auction raises funds for Forum scholarships, which are awarded Saturday night. All money brought in for the scholarships goes directly to the recipients. To date, the Forum has awarded over $587,000 in scholarships to students from families involved in Maine’s fisheries. In addition, due to a donation from an anonymous fisherman, two students will each win an $8,000 scholarship as well.
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