Who We Are
For more than 300 years, Maine's fishing industry has been the foundation of not just our culture, but of Maine's economy as well. Community-based fishermen in coastal Maine are as different as the harbors they come from, but have come together to form the MCFA under the common goal of protecting and restoring Maine's fishing heritage.

In 1996, 188 vessels in the State of Maine took at least one fishing trip targeting groundfish. By 2010 this number had declined to only 52 vessels that left the shore to catch what was once the foundation of Maine's fishing economy. This is the highest rate of fleet consolidation in all of New England and a frightening statistic for those who wish to preserve Maine's iconic fishing heritage.

The fishermen who formed MCFA came together to create a united voice after recognizing that the fishing communities of Maine were in jeopardy of disappearing forever if drastic changes to the system were not made, and the needs of those often marginalized were not considered.

MCFA advocates for policies that work for Maine's through the recognition that fishermen are the experts, and our goal is to make sure their voices are heard. As stewards of the fisheries resource, local fishermen are committed to rebuilding our struggling fisheries and communities.

Learn more about the history of the MCFA.

Members/Board
Gerry Cushman- President
Gary Libby- Vice President
Larry Bailey- Treasurer
Jen Litteral - Clerk
Troy Bichrest
Kelo Pinkham
Joe Nickerson
Patrick Mellor
Anne Henshaw