Coastal Conversations 4/23/21: From the mud to your plate: shellfish markets and the seafood supply chain

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel

In 2020, the soft-shell clam fishery was the second highest value commercial fishery in Maine, netting over $15 million in revenue, yet there is not broad awareness about what it takes to dig clams and bring them to the market.

During this event we will learn from harvesters, shellfish buyers, retailers, and others in the supply chain about shellfish markets, challenges in the fishery, and opportunities for expanding markets for soft-shell clams, quahogs (hard clams), razor clams, and other shellfish in Maine, New England, and beyond.

We explore factors affecting market price, market shifts resulting from COVID-related restaurant restrictions, and new potential opportunities to export products to the European Union.

Guests:

Jessica Joyce from Tidal Bay Consulting and Maine Shellfish Advisory Council

Joseph Porada, commercial harvester and Chair of the Frenchman’s Bay Regional Shellfish Committee

Mike Danforth, operations manager, Maine Shellfish, Shellfish Advisory Council, and Department of Marine Resources Advisory Council

Tim Sheehan, owner, Gulf of Maine, Inc. and commercial harvester

Quang Nguyen, owner, Fishermen’s Net

Boe Marsh, operator, Community Shellfish Company

Babara Scully – owner, Scully’s Sea Products and commercial harvester

Kohl Kanwit – Director of the Bureau of Public Health, Maine Department of Marine Resources and Chair, Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference

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.