March 13, 2024 — The Maine Fishermen’s Forum (MFF) hit the midcoast for the 49th year, with the Samoset hotel selling out within one day of opening for reservations. There was a full tradeshow floor with 120 exhibitors, and the dinner events for all three nights sold out weeks in advance. Maine Coast Fishermen, National Fisherman, and Eaton Peabody sponsored the dinners that previewed the silent auction, the live auction, and the award banquet with a live band.
Over 40 seminars took place over the three days and brought together commercial fishermen, scientists, government, and other stakeholders to collaborate and bring their voices to the table.
Thursday included an all-day offshore wind seminar on the leasing process, with individuals from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and ME and NH Sea Grant, and an all-day shellfish focus for aquaculture farmers and fishermen alike.