Krista Tripp, a lobsterman from Spruce Head, ME, speaks about her childhood experiences fishing, going through the lobster apprenticeship program, and how her grandfather supported her desire to become a lobsterman. She addresses the realities of being a new, late, and female fisherman in this area and expresses her excitement at seeing more women on the water.

Kyle Pepperman, a marine biologist at the Downeast Institute (DEI) in Jonesboro, ME. He specializes in shellfish cultivation, with a focus on growing blue mussels and clams. With expertise in hatchery techniques, he explores innovative approaches to improve clam management practices and promote sustainable aquaculture in Eastern Maine.

Scope and Content Note

Leif Albertson is an IT project manager residing in Phippsburg, Maine. His family has a deep-rooted history in commercial fishing in Maine, which influenced his decision to relocate his family to Maine. Albertson is an avid recreational fisherman and owns a fishing boat, which was a gift from his father. He is involved in recreational lobster fishing and holds a commercial license for tuna fishing. Albertson's family members, including cousins, are involved in lobster and shrimp fishing.

Marc Hoffman is a business owner, author, and advocate for fisheries management. As the owner of M. K. Hoffman Services, he specializes in selling automotive mechanical lubricants and additives aimed at improving fuel efficiency. With his book Shell Game, Hoffman alleges that the high 2008 oil prices were caused by actions of investment banks rather than the mortgage collapse. Additionally, he actively participates in fisheries management as a member of the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission Advisory Panel. 

Marcia Beal Brazer, from Ogunquit, ME, shares a personal story about her husband Norman Brazer, a lobsterman, who got tangled in a lobster buoy rope and fell overboard while fishing near Boon Island, ME. N. Brazer was lucky that he was carrying a knife and was able to untangle himself; however, when he surfaced, he could not find his boat. Luckily, another lobsterman, Mark Sewell, noticed N. Brazer’s body floating and took him to the hospital. After three rounds of CPR, N. Brazer finally responded. He is still a lobsterman. M.

Marina Cucuzza, a marine researcher from Boston, MA, is currently working on her thesis which assesses the capacity for sustainability in coastal communities. She discusses buzz words such as resilience and sustainability which she finds important to define and what she has come across in her projects so far. She talks about her experiences working on a whale watch, living in Canada, and working intensely with people as well as how her experiences have driven her interest in science and given her an understanding of how multifaceted situations can be.

Mary Beth Tooley is from Lincolnville, ME and works for the O'Hara Corporation, a family-held company that has been involved in fishing since 1906. The company initially focused on New England groundfish but had to shift its operations to the North Pacific, specifically the Bering Sea, after the Hague Line decision placed their fishing grounds in Canadian waters. The O'Hara Corporation has 11 scallop boats based in New Bedford and two herring boats based in Rockland, Maine.

Matt Campo is a senior research specialist at Rutgers University, where he has dedicated his career to the study and advocacy of sustainable urban planning, with a particular focus on waterfront communities. His expertise encompasses a broad range of issues related to coastal areas, including industrial development, commercial fishing, recreational use, and the challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise. Campo's work is characterized by a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that shape waterfronts and the diverse needs of the populations that depend on them.

Working for a non-regulatory group, the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes in Lansing, MI, Matthew Preisser does statewide and regional planning work to protect and restore the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them. He serves in a professional capacity within the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, where his responsibilities are centered on coastal zone management and the execution of federal programs pertinent to the region. His role is critical in fostering connections and providing support to the island communities scattered throughout the Great Lakes.

Meaghan Gass serves as an extension educator with Michigan Sea Grant, a collaborative effort that fosters economic growth and protects Michigan’s coastal, Great Lakes resources through education, research, and outreach. In her role, Gass is deeply involved in the Great Lakes region, particularly focusing on the working waterfronts. Her work is driven by a commitment to the understanding and stewardship of freshwater resources.