Laura A. Lindenfeld
Associate Professor of Communication
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
207.581.3850
laura.lindenfeld@umit.maine.edu

Despite seafood’s importance to the state’s economy, health, and heritage, fish and shellfish products are not always available and accessible in non-coastal communities. Increasing consumption of seafood throughout all of Maine, by raising awareness and increasing supply, will benefit the health of individual Mainers, sustain the coastal communities and working waterfronts that benefit the entire state, and strengthen our resilience in the face of socioeconomic change.

Using a mixed-methods social science approach, Lindenfeld will explore how consumers in Maine conceptualize seafood and its connections to “local” and “sustainable” food, and how this information can support new and expanded markets in inland areas. Using Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor as sample communities, Lindenfeld will assess communication and collaboration infrastructure and networks that exist to help increase interest in Maine seafood. Through local partnerships with restaurants, culinary institutes, and other stakeholders, the Seafood Links Project will promote Maine seafood and encourage seasonal, local, healthy eating.

One-year project; total Sea Grant funds $46,298