Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries PO Box 27 │ 13 Atlantic Avenue
Stonington , ME 04681 Phone : 207.367.2708 │ Fax : 207.367.2680 www . coastalfisheries . org
May 25 , 2021
Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries enthusiastically supports the DownEast Acadia National Heritage Area for Hancock and Washington Counties in Maine . The DownEast Acadia region has a long history in commercial fishing that is dependent on the natural geography of the area and has resulted in rich cultural heritage .
Hancock and Washington Counties are the most fisheries dependent counties on the eastern seaboard of the United States . Maine ’ s iconic lobster fishery is currently centered in eastern Maine with the port of Stonington , located in Hancock County , being the largest landing port for lobster in the world . Thousands of fishermen work out of dozens of working harbors along the shores of DownEast Maine and provide a strong economic engine for the seafood economy of Maine .
Fisheries in this region have required diverse social dimensions influencing the population and demographics of these fishing communities , which over centuries , has resulted in the unique cultural heritage in DownEast Maine . Travelers across the country have become more interested in food systems and locally produced food products . Seafood provides excellent opportunities for visitors to learn about the natural and cultural systems while enjoying wholesome and healthy locally produced food . MCCF is one of various institutions in this region that are part of the DownEast Fisheries Trail ( www . downeastfisheriestrail . org ), which will be an excellent resource for the National Heritage Area .
The National Heritage designation would help support heritage preservation and educational initiatives that matter to our communities . Funding would help us develop programs and projects that will create vibrant communities , which will in turn impact locals as well as tourists .
We fully support the DownEast Acadia National Heritage Area and the many benefits it would supply to our coastal fishing communities .
Sincerely ,
Paul S . Anderson Executive Director
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Paul Anderson , Executive Director Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries Board of Directors James Chesney , Chair • Jane Osborne , Vice Chair • Charles Rudelitch , Treasurer • Thomas Urmy , Secretary Marsden Brewer • Ted Hoskins • Elizabeth Jewett • Nancy Knowlton • Walter Kumiega • James Markos Brent Oliver • Joan Sorensen • David Tarr • Dave Thomas • Susan Toder • Carl Wilson