Maine Seafood Alliance, representing and advocating for all aspects of the Maine seafood industry.

Shellfish Industry Communication Discussion to be held at Fishermen's Forum

February 22, 2008

SOURCE: MSA

The Maine Seafood Alliance is hosting a discussion session at the 2008 Fishermen's Forum in Rockport at 10:30 AM on Saturday March 1. The purpose of the session is to discuss the needs and mechanisms for better communication, cooperation and collaboration in the shellfish industry.

A panel made up of various segments of the shellfish industry and organizations that work with and have an effect on the industry have been invited. Invited panelists include: Jim Markos, Maine Seafood Alliance; State Senator Dennis Damon; George Lapointe, Department of Marine Resources; Chad Coffin, Maine Clammers Association; Sebastian Belle, Maine Aquaculture Association.; Virginia Olsen, Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference; Brian Beal, UMM/Down East Institute; Dan Deveraux, Town of Brunswick.

Discussion topics will include:
• How can the shellfish industry communicate better amongst its members?
• How can communication between the industry and regulators be improved and to what end?
• What steps can the Department of Marine Resources take to improve communication of policies and operational decisions on a regular basis?
• What types of information need to be transferred (communicated)?
• How can better communication lead to cooperation and collaboration between the industry, regulators and other stakeholders?
• What are some short term and long terms options

The session will be moderated by Paul Anderson, Director of Maine Sea Grant.