BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 27, 2025
Maine as an ideal place to be a national leader in growing what has come to be known as the blue economy — those businesses and industries that rely on or contribute to healthy oceans and coasts. However, other states are already way ahead of us in promoting this kind of economic development. Recognizing this gap, last year the Maine Legislature established a Blue Economy Task Force to report on how the state can best capitalize on the opportunities emerging in marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, and maritime and shipping modernization. Innovation in legacy ocean industries like commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture, ship and boatbuilding, and recreation and tourism, also represents a massive opportunity for our coastal communities to prosper. We can make Maine a leader in developing future industries in the communities we are proud to call home. ~ Michael Conathan, Upwell Collaborative and consultant supporting the work of the Blue Economy Task Force, South Portland