Mission and Vision

Our Mission

Fishing is a tremendous part of the heritage of eastern Maine. Penobscot East works in one of the few remaining community based fisheries in the USA, where the traditional culture is still virtually intact and children can expect to grow up and fish the way their great grand-fathers did - in small owner-operated boats going out in the early hours every day, six days a week, year in, year out. Community fishing is a staple of the coastal Maine economy and a way of life that is increasingly under threat.

Our work is in support of this heritage and to secure its future through several integrated programs. These include fishermen leadership development, economic diversification, for new ecological science and management practices, an initiative to revive the local groundfish economy, a lobster hatchery and the development of seafood marketing channels that deliver a fair price for quality.

Goals

  1. Fishermen become a voice for the diversity of fisheries and health of the Eastern Gulf of Maine ecosystem.
  2. Seek economic justice through opportunity and access for fishermen committed to community-based marine resource management.
  3. Partner with communities on creative marketing and sustainable business practices to ensure that fishermen can fish long term at a small scale.
  4. Educate and engage a widening community in support of a sustainable fishing future.
  5. Engage fishermen and the scientific community in collaboratively developing a strong science platform for area management.
  6. Advocate at all levels to support these five goals.