Marine Science for Maine People: Supporting Innovation in the Lobster Industry

Contributor: Alicia Gaiero, Maine Sea Grant Fisheries Extension Associate, Outreach Coordinator for the Innovative Gear Library

Since joining Maine Sea Grant in January, I’ve had the opportunity to support a forward-looking project in Maine’s lobster fishing industry: the Innovative Fishing Gear Library.

This initiative was launched by the Maine Department of Marine Resources in response to a federal pause on new whale protection rules, effective through 2028. This pause created a unique window for industry-led innovation, research, and collaborative policy development. The Innovative Fishing Gear Library engages fishermen in testing new gear technology that reduces or eliminates vertical lines in the water column – technology that could help maintain access to the fishery during seasonal closures aimed at protecting the North Atlantic right whale. While the LMA1 closure is already in effect, the possibility of additional closures in other areas remains, making evaluation and testing of alternative gear especially important.

As Outreach Coordinator, I work alongside state agencies, fishing organizations, and fishermen to test on-demand gear across the coast of Maine. In addition to fishermen, I collaborate with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, Sunrise County Economic Council, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, the Island Institute, and the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation.

We now have more than 26 fishermen testing gear from six manufacturers. These trials include three different gear size configurations, ranging from nearshore to offshore use, so fishermen can evaluate how the technology performs in different depths and fishing conditions. Our focus is increasingly on recruiting offshore fishermen, who already face the highest risk of closure and may be impacted by future expansion of closed areas, to ensure their needs are represented in gear trials.

In this role, I support the coordination of trainings, check in with gear hubs, maintain regular communication with participants, recruit new fishermen, and support partner-led outreach efforts. My work helps facilitate collaboration, share information, and ensure fishermen have the tools and support needed to adapt to a changing regulatory landscape.

The Gear Library is emblematic of all the work we do at Maine Sea Grant—building trust, sharing knowledge, and connecting science with the needs of Maine’s coastal communities. By fostering collaboration between fishermen, regulators, and researchers, we’re helping deliver practical, research-backed solutions that strengthen resilience in one of the state’s most iconic fisheries.

Posted 14 August 2025