TIMES RECORD • December 21, 2022
On Christmas Eve, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program in Brunswick will treat guests to a bowl of monkfish stew, donated by the Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association. Not known for its good looks, the sweet-tasting bottom-dweller known as monkfish was popular 20 years ago, but production slowed in 1999 due to fear of overfishing. “There were concerns about the stock in the late ’90s, but good management has brought that fishery back to sustainable levels,” said MCFA Executive Director Ben Martens. He said the fish is mild and sweet, with a consistency akin to lobster, making it perfect for stews.