The locavore and Buy Local movements have strengthened Maine agriculture, but they’ve had little impact on Maine’s most famous and abundant natural resource—seafood. Maine lands around $450 million in seafood each year, the third-highest total in the U.S. Despite this contribution to the domestic seafood production, over 90% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported.

To help regional buyers of seafood connect to statewide sources, CEI’s Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture Program completed a statewide assessment of the who, what, when and where of Maine’s seafood and aquaculture systems. Who fishes, farms or harvests Maine seafood? Who stores, transports, processes or sells Maine seafood? What is in season in Maine waters, and when? Where can wholesalers, retailers and consumers source Maine seafood products?

Why has CEI put all this vital information in one easy-to-access place? To connect Maine seafood producers, processers, distributors, retailers and consumers with more local, healthy fish, shellfish and sea vegetables. To encourage new connections in the industry. To fill critical gaps in cold storage, processing and retail. And to shore up a critical part of our local economy as it continues to turn environmental and economic challenges into opportunities for change and growth.

We may have overlooked some sources of information and we invite suggestions about how to update and improve the information. If you have suggestions or changes please contact Hugh Cowperthwaite, hugh.cowperthwaite@ceimaine.org or 535-2920.