About Maine Seafood Alliance
Maine Seafood Alliance (MSA) was formed to represent and advocate for all aspects of the seafood industry in Maine. By partnering with state and local governments, MSA's goals include establishing Maine as a leader in the seafood industry, with the highest standards of quality and consumer safety.
History
In the fall of 2005 a group of folks involved in the shellfish industry Down East decided it was time that the hard working Mainers who are involved in the harvesting, processing and selling of shellfish and seafood from the waters of the State needed a strong voice in determining the well being and future of this most important segment of our heritage and economy. After several meetings, the Maine Seafood Alliance was incorporated on March 2, 2006.
Goals of the Alliance
The organization has been designed to serve all aspects of the industry and provide representation for the entire Maine coast. The goals of the Maine Seafood Alliance are:
- Promote confidence and cooperation among persons engaged in the seafood industry in Maine.
- Represent and advocate for persons engaged in the seafood industry in Maine.
- Establish high standards of quality and consumer safety within the seafood
- industry in Maine.
- Promote any and all activities relating to the seafood industry and its continuing growth.
- Offer guidance, support, and assistance to persons engaged in the seafood
- industry in Maine.
- Do all such other lawful acts as may be deemed beneficial to those engaged in the seafood industry in Maine.
MSA has met with the Department of Marine Resources to discuss concerns and issues of concern, and will continue that process. The organization has established contact with the Maine Legislature and advocated an increase in funds for the DMR water quality program that was passed and will improve the testing capabilities of the department. It is hoped that this will have a positive effect on the number of temporary closures.
Classes of MSA Membership
- Certified Seafood Dealers and Processors
- Non-Certified Dealers
- Individual Harvesters
- Contributing Members or Affiliate Groups
- Associate Members - Other businesses, organizations, or individuals
MSA By-Laws (PDF file opens in a new window).
MSA Board of Directors
A board of Directors composed of three harvesters and three business representatives from East of the Penobscot River and the same number from West of the Penobscot, as well as five at large members with no geographic or membership category restriction (total number of 17 members).
MSA Officers and Board Members
- President: James Markos - Maine Shellfish, Ellsworth
- Vice-President: Dan Rogde - Atlantic Shellfish, Jonesport
- Secretary: Julie Keene - Harvester, Trescott
- Treasurer: Randy Ramsdell - Machias Bay Seafood, East Machias
- Board Member: Albert Carver - AC Carver, Beals
- Board Member: Cecil Wood - CNW Seafood, Machiasport
- Board Member: Stan Bayley - Bayley's Quality Seafood, Scarborough
- Board Member: April Bayley - Bayley's Quality Seafood, Scarborough
- Board Member: Virginia Olsen-Oceanville Seafood, Stonington