MCFA Hosts “Gentrification, Access and You” Panel

The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), a local non-profit dedicated to rebuilding the fisheries of the Gulf of Maine and sustaining Maine’s fishing communities for future generations, is excited to announce its co-hosting of a community event titled “Gentrification, Access and You.” The event will take place on August 15th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bowdoin College’s Schiller Coastal Studies Center on Orr’s Island. Optional self-guided tours of the center will be available at 4:30 pm.

The event is part of the ongoing Conversation series, “Living and Working in a Waterfront Community,” which is a collaborative effort initiated in 2021 by MCFA, the Cundy’s Harbor Library, Harpswell Anchor, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, and the Holbrook Community Foundation. This event marks the fifth installment in the Harpswell series, with previous topics including “Fishing Through the Seasons,” “Conversations from the Fishing Community,” “Access for the Fishing Community,” and “Etiquette on the Water.” Recordings and articles about the previous panels can be accessed at www.mainecoastfishermen.org/working-waterfront.

The Conversation series aims to promote communication between various individuals and groups residing and working on the waterfront in communities along the coast. In addition to Harpswell, other presentations have been held in Brunswick, Freeport, and Kennebunkport, with another planned for this fall in Belfast.

The upcoming event, “Gentrification, Access and You,” will explore the meanings of gentrification and access from different perspectives within the community. It will also delve into the challenges and potential solutions for Harpswell and other coastal communities. The conversation will be moderated by Monique Coombs, an Orr’s Island resident and Director of Community Programs for the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association.

As part of the event, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy samples of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association’s signature Maine Coast Monkfish Stew, produced by Hurricane’s Premium Soups & Chowders in Greene. Proceeds from this product will support MCFA’s fish donation program, Fishermen Feeding Mainers.

The event is free of charge and accessible both in person and via Zoom, but registration is required. To register, please visit www.hhltmaine.org/event/conversations-with-the-fishing-community-gentrification-access-and-you.

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA)  is a local non-profit organization committed to identifying and fostering ways to rebuild the fisheries of the Gulf of Maine and sustain Maine’s fishing communities for future generations. With a focus on collaboration and community engagement, MCFA works towards ensuring a thriving marine ecosystem and a prosperous fishing industry. For more information about the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, please visit www.mainecoastfishermen.org or contact Susan Olcott, Director of Operations at susan@mainecoastfishermen.org; 207-807-8700.