Ben Martens is the executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA) where he works directly with local fishermen and working waterfront communities to support sustainable fisheries and vibrant fishing communities. Ben will be giving an overview of fisheries in Maine, what MCFA is doing to a build a more resilient fishing future, and answering your questions about local fisheries and seafood.  

In this talk, Tess Chakkalakal offers a fresh look at the life and work of Charles Waddell Chesnutt, the first professional Black American writer. His first novel was adapted for the screen by Oscar Micheaux. His stories of post-Civil War America are as relevant today as when they first appeared in the 1880s. Uncovering new sources, Chakkalakal evokes Chesnutt’s rise as a schoolteacher in the segregated South to joining the ranks of American realist authors. Working as a shorthand reporter, lawyer, and author, Chesnutt published six [...]

A report in the Boston Globe described Dale Arnold: "A versatile broadcaster, Arnold is the only person to have called play-by-play for five Boston professional teams (Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and Revolution)". Dale retired from broadcasting in April of last year. Dale is a native of Brunswick, ME and a graduate of Bowdoin College. He has retired to his hometown and has written several books, including "If These Walls Could Talk: Boston Bruins" and "Tough Guys: Hockeys Enforcers - on wild brawls, high stakes, [...]

As Director of the Center for Climate and Community at Island Institute, Susie works on the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on marine resources and fisheries-dependent communities. Her current areas of focus include working with fishermen to diversify their businesses to include shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, researching the environmental benefits of farming edible seaweed, and helping coastal communities better understand the implications of sea level rise so they can make informed adaptation decisions. Susie earned a masters degree in Marine Policy and a [...]

Lynda has led marine mammal response organizations for many years. She is the founding Executive Director for MMoME since 2011. Born and raised in Maine, Lynda always knew she wanted to work with helping marine mammals. She has provided care for thousands of animals, has opened Maine’s first seal triage center, and looks forward to providing more for marine mammals in Maine. Her work has involved conducting whale necropsies, disentanglement, population studies, marine debris projects and sterning on lobster boats. Lynda was recognized by Portland [...]