Vol. 1, No. 4
Headline Back Issues Fall 1997
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Grants promote Maine's fishing industry Portland, Maine -- Maine fishermen, fishing families, and fishing-dependent communities will benefit from grants totaling more than a quarter of a million dollars under a program developed by the Maine Fishing Industry Development Center (MFIDC) using funds from the US Economic Development Administration (USEDA). A private nonprofit grant-making corporation, MFIDC was formed by fishermen, fish processors, and others involved in Maine fisheries with help from the Maine Department of Marine Resources and USEDA. The federal support enabled the Center to underwrite eight technical assistance projects, according to MFIDC Executive Director Bill Brennan. MFIDC's programs are intended to promote fishing, fisheries-dependent businesses, and other marine-related businesses and the employment opportunities they bring. MFIDC also works to help communities adjust to the economic impacts of fish harvesting restrictions. "It is very exciting for us to realize the benefits of this new program by providing direct and long term support to Maine's fishing communities. With these projects under way, we look now to build upon our success by funding more projects to move Maine's fishing industry forward," Brennan said. The first eight grant recipients will use the money for projects addressing market development and quality enhancement for underutilized species; advancing understanding of fishery resources and management; and heightening awareness of Maine's commercial fisheries. Fisheries associations, educational institutions, businesses, environmental groups, state agencies, technology centers, and other diverse organizations are involved in the projects receiving funding. Specifically, the eight grant projects include $27,000 to train displaced fishermen in processing and marketing cape shark, an underutilized species; $16,000 for a conference to resolve questions about management and rebuilding of groundfish stocks; a total of $31,600 for two separate projects that focus on training fishermen in live fish capture methods to meet market demand for live catch; $25,000 for an identification and assessment of Gulf of Maine herring stocks; $10,000 to train displaced commercial fishermen as sportfishing guides; $16,000 for a video series on the Gulf of Maine fishery resource; and $24,000 to research uses for sea cucumber pigments and other fishery byproducts. MFIDC was particularly interested in projects linking commercial fisheries to other marine business, such as aquaculture and sport fishing, and industries promoting the use of commercial fishery byproducts for biotechnology endeavors. The Center issued a second request for proposals in October, with a December 31 deadline. Applicants who submit proposals for projects addressing fisheries science and management, technology, marketing, enhancement, employment, or awareness must be prepared to match their grant with cash and/or in-kind support of at least 25 percent. For more information, contact MFIDC Executive Director Bill Brennan at (207) 828-5331. |
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Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine