Coastal Conversations 4/24/20: Impact of COVID-19 on Maine’s Fishermen and Aquaculture Farmers

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel

As global and national seafood markets shut down, the demand for local Maine seafood by residents is on the rise.
How does the seafood supply chain work and how do disruptions affect it.
What support is available for fishermen and aquaculture farmers to help their businesses survive during the pandemic.
How can local consumers access local seafood?

Guests:
Joanna Fogg, the owner of Bar Harbor Oyster Company
Sebastian Belle and Afton Hupper, both from the Maine Aquaculture Association
Marianne LaCroix, from the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, and
Ben Martens, from the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association

About the host:
Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation’s since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland’s Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio.