Maine is expanding and diversifying its traditional coastal industries into a modern blue economy.
Fishermen and shipbuilders have long dominated the working waterfront. Now, commercial aquaculture farms, charter and tour boat operators, biotechnology firms, research institutes, restaurants, and gift shops operate alongside them, according to The University of Maine.
The blue economy encompasses existing and emerging marine sectors that use ocean resources. These enterprises aim to foster economic growth and improve livelihoods along the water while adapting to the needs of 21st-century coastal industries.
“The blue economy is both hyperlocal and global in scale,” Curt Brown told the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Brown is a local lobsterman and the president of Bold Coast Seafood.
“As a harvester and a business owner, my role in the blue economy is to deliver high-quality lobster caught right here along the rocky shores of Maine to the highest value markets around the country and around the world,” Brown said.
| Traditional Sectors | Emerging Sectors | Supportive Services |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial fishing | Aquaculture farms | Seafood processors |
| Shipbuilding yards | Biotechnology firms | Marine data and robotics |
| Harvester operations | Renewable energy projects | Transportation services |
Fishermen and seafood harvesters remain the backbone of the working waterfront. Responsible practices help maintain healthy marine ecosystems and support a broader network of ocean-dependent businesses.
Science and monitoring support fish stock health for future generations. When harvesters succeed, the surrounding system of seafood processors, distributors, retailers, local restaurants, tourism businesses, gear manufacturers, and transportation services also thrives.
Emerging sectors like blue tech are building on this maritime heritage. Andrew Thompson, CEO and co-founder of Bluesonde, a Portland-based ocean startup, is working to tackle challenges in marine data, robotics, clean energy, and low-impact vessel design.
The University of Maine explores these modernization efforts through its podcast, “The Maine Question.” Recent episodes feature startup founders and university researchers discussing how the state can secure a global leadership role in the blue economy.
Discussions on the podcast also cover initiatives to boost seafood production and cross-sector partnerships. UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Dr. Jim Jarvis, director of Clinical Education at Northern Light Health, discussed a growing partnership aimed at healthcare in Maine.
Andre Khalil, a professor of biomedical engineering at UMaine, shared his work in the fight against breast cancer. The university points to this research as an example of how innovation improves public health.
Listeners can access episodes of “The Maine Question” on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube, or the official podcast website. The university invited questions and topic suggestions from the public via email at [email protected].
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
