Maine Seafood Promotional Council

Developing new seafood markets through promotion

In early 2024, FocusMaine was awarded a Domestic Trade Initiative grant from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, which will support two years of a pilot Seafood Promotional Council.

Origins

Emerging from the Market Development Committee’s work (see the reports A Seafood Promotional Council for Maine, Multicultural Marketing Analysis: Cambodian and Vietnamese Seafood, and Cambodian Seafood Purchase Intent Study) the Maine Seafood Promotional Council is a key recommendation outlined in the Roadmap for the Future of Maine’s Seafood Economy. As a co-applicant and co-lead organizational member of SEA Maine, FocusMaine is proud to lead this initiative in partnership with various stakeholders.

Mission and Objectives

The Maine Seafood Promotional Council is dedicated to showcasing the state’s rich seafood offerings from its 3,478-mile coastline along the North Atlantic. Home to diverse wild-caught and farmed species, Maine’s fishermen and sea farmers are committed to quality products and responsible harvesting, cultivation, and handling practices.

The objectives over the two-year pilot period are to:

  • Create a Seafood Promotional Council, and
  • Execute pilot projects to advance market development and expansion for Maine seafood.

Ultimately, this initiative intends to lay the foundation for an industry-led, financially sustainable permanent Council to advance the Maine seafood brand and expand sales into out-of-state markets, strengthening Maine’s overall food economy through the responsible use of the state’s natural resources.

Membership

Emily Lane and Togue Brawn

The Council is co-chaired by Emily Lane, President at Blue Lobster Consulting, and Togue Brawn, Owner/founder of Downeast Dayboat. Other Council members include:

  • Sebastian Belle, Executive Director, Maine Aquaculture Association
  • Curt Brown, Marine Biologist, Ready Seafood
  • Steve Hedlund, Director of Public Affairs, Cooke Aquaculture USA
  • Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director, Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative
  • Boe Marsh, CEO, Community Shellfish
  • Iréne Moon, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing, Bristol Seafood
  • Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association
  • Quang Nguyễn, Founder, Fishermen’s Net
  • Jeff Nichols, Communications Director, Maine Department of Marine Resources
  • Tyler Niven, Sales, Mere Point Oyster Co.
  • Brian Perkins, Owner, Next Step Consulting
  • Lisa Scali, Co-Owner, Oceans Balance
  • Kelly Tinkler, Growth Marketing Director, Glidden Point Oyster Farms

Activities

In October 2024, the Council hosted its first event, “On the (Seafood) Menu in Maine,” which invited award-winning chefs from around the country and journalists to Maine to watch Jordan Rubin–known as “Mr. Tuna”–cut and prepare a fresh tuna from the Gulf of Maine, followed by a reception at SoPo Seafood with an innovative 5-course tasting menu featuring seafood caught or farmed in Maine. 

Since 2023, the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative and the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs have co-hosted the 2025 Maine Seafood Reception at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston. In 2025, the Council supported targeted marketing to key buyers and distributors, amplifying the marketing reach of the Maine Seafood Reception and increasing visibility of Maine’s seafood industry. 

In June 2025, the Maine Seafood Promotional Council attended the UMass Amherst 31st Annual Chef Culinary Conference to promote the diversity and quality of Maine seafood to nearly 700 participants, including chefs, dietitians, food service managers, and educators across the US and Canada. 

Press Coverage

January 2, 2025
Maine seafood responsible fishing and aquaculture | Green with Renvy: Travel and Lifestyle in Sustainable Shades of Green

The Maine Seafood Promotional Council is a project of the SEA Maine Roadmap.

November 3, 2024
Maine seafood draws celebrated chefs to Portland, and more are coming | Portland Press Herald

October 31, 2024
Program connects Maine seafood producers with national markets | Portland Press Herald

If you are interested in joining this project, please email Courtney Crossgrove