Ben Martens is the executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association.
Maine’s working waterfront is more than just a pretty view. Each fishing boat you see in Portland, Cundy’s Harbor, or Stonington tells a story of dedicated producers who are often overlooked in our national food system. Fishing isn’t just a nostalgic industry; it’s a vital part of food production, offering some of the freshest seafood available.
While farmers in the heartland benefit from support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, fishermen have struggled for recognition and resources. It’s time to change that and integrate seafood fully into our national food framework.
Recent federal actions signal this shift. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the creation of the new Office of Seafood under the USDA. This is a first in the country’s history and can help bring seafood into the spotlight it deserves.
This announcement complements the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, crafted by the Fishing Communities Coalition. This group includes community-rooted fishing organizations, including the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association.
Senators Angus King and Lisa Murkowski worked closely with the Coalition on this legislation, joined by co-sponsors from Maine, Oregon, and Alaska. Their bipartisan efforts emphasize a crucial truth: seafood deserves a more prominent role in American diets and requires investment in local producers.
At MCFA, we have witnessed the benefits of treating seafood as essential. Our Fishermen Feeding Mainers program buys fresh, local catch at fair prices, supporting fishermen while addressing food insecurity by donating fillets to schools and food pantries.
Our Seafood in Schools initiative takes it a step further. We provide healthy options like fish cakes and “fish tots” to students. Seeing kids enjoy local fish products not only promotes health but also creates a market for fishermen, strengthening our food system.
However, many challenges remain. Rising costs for bait, fuel, and labor, along with coastal gentrification and increasing permit prices, make fishing difficult for many. This is why the American Seafood Competitiveness Act is vital. It aims to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, allowing commercial fishing and fish processing to access USDA loans and credit programs. This change could level the playing field for fishermen.
Building a stronger supply chain isn’t just about helping fishermen; it’s about ensuring that Maine, and the entire country, can feed itself sustainably. We thank Senators King and Collins for their leadership and urge Congress to prioritize these crucial changes. It’s time we recognize fishermen as essential food producers, not just a piece of our heritage. They deserve our support, now more than ever.
