2026 Maine Fishermen's Forum
51st Maine Fishermen’s Forum
March 5-7, 2026
About
The Maine Fishermen’s Forum is an annual gathering of commercial fishermen, gear suppliers, scientists, government representatives, and other stakeholders in the Northeast region. Our science center and regional office staff participate in the forum to connect with industry and share information about Maine’s marine resources. They talk about how fishing regulations, climate change, and other factors impact the day-to-day and long-term operations of the industry. We attend the forum and participate in its seminars and panel discussions to build and strengthen our relationships with Maine’s commercial fishing industry and its stakeholders.
Schedule
Friday Seminars
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Rockland Room
Co-Developing Strategies for a Changing NGOM Scallop Fishery
Panelists: Samantha Siedlecki, Associate Professor, University of Connecticut
Halle Berger, Ph.D. Student, University of Connecticut
Shannon Meseck, Chief of the Aquaculture Systems & Ecology Branch at Milford Lab, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Jim LaChance, Visiting Professor, University of Maryland
Robert Murphy, Social Scientist, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center
2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Rockport Room
Open Forum with Federal Fisheries Leadership
Panelists: Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, Director of NOAA Fisheries – INVITED
Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
Jon Hare, Science and Research Director, Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council
Dan Salerno, Chairman, New England Fishery Management Council