GMRI is working with Gulf of Maine’s seafood supply chain to build a regional identity for Gulf of Maine seafood that adds value in the marketplace.

Market research in Maine indicates that consumers would increase their seafood consumption if they knew it was locally and sustainably harvested. They are willing to pay slightly more for seafood products that support fishermen, coastal communities, or the ocean environment. GMRI has secured a challenge grant from the Maine Technology Institute’s Cluster Award program and hired a program manager to assist the Gulf of Maine seafood industry in making the most of this trend.

Through a strong partnership with Hannaford Brothers and working with members of the seafood industry and conservation community, we are developing the tools and partnerships needed to enable delivery of regionally and sustainably harvested products into the marketplace. We are crafting a standard that outlines sustainability and traceability criteria that products must meet to use a regional cooperative brand. This brand will enable consumers to differentiate and support responsibly harvested products from the Gulf of Maine. We are testing an information technology system to support boat-to-plate traceability. We look forward to providing best practice training for fishermen and testing a variety of retail marketing strategies.