Accessing the Maine Coast

Coastal Access Strategy Exchange The Coastal Access Strategy Exchange (CASE) works to preserve and expand the footpaths, wharves, piers, and other working waterfront locations that provide essential access points to coastal fisheries and waters of the Gulf of Maine.

Coastal Enterprises Inc. Coastal Enterprises, Inc, is a private, non-profit community development corporation founded to create social and economic opportunities in Maine.

Downeast Conservation Network Downeast Conservation Network’s mission is to strengthen communities and land conservation through collaborative action in Maine’s Hancock and Washington Counties.

Gouldsboro Shore Gouldsboro’s Coastal Resilience Committee uses the Gouldsboro Shore website to keep residents and others up-to-date on activities and events related to the town’s more than 50 miles of marine shoreline.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is an independent, objective, non-partisan marine research institute headquartered in Portland, Maine and working across the globe.

Island Institute Island Institute is a 42 year-old community development organization that boldly navigates climate and economic change with island and coastal communities to expand opportunities and deliver solutions.

Land Trust Alliance The Land Trust Alliance unites and champions organizations in local communities working to save natural areas.

Maine Aquaculture Association The Maine Aquaculture Association is a non-profit trade association that represents Maine’s aquatic farmers at the state, federal, and international levels. They support Maine’s aquatic growers in developing economically and environmentally sustainable business practices, promote the benefits of aquaculture in the local food system, and preserve Maine’s working waterfronts.

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association works to enhance the sustainability of Maine’s fisheries by advocating for the needs of community-based fishermen and the environmental restoration of the Gulf of Maine.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust Conserves and stewards Maine’s coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, ecological diversity and working landscapes. MCHT also coordinates the Maine Land Trust Network.

Maine Coastal Program The Maine Coastal Program works to sustain Maine’s coastal resources and maritime economy while balancing restoration, development, and planning for coastal hazards. The Program is a cooperative partnership between NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management and the State of Maine; it is housed in the Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA).

Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) The Maine DEP protects and restores Maine’s natural resources and enforces state environmental laws by preventing, abating, and controlling pollution of the air, water, and land. This involves administering programs, making regulatory decisions, providing technical support to policymakers, and educating the public. The DEP aims to preserve and enhance the natural environment and ensure the public can use and enjoy its resources.

Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) The Maine DMR conserves and develops marine and estuarine resources, promotes coastal fishing industries, conducts scientific research, and implements and enforces laws and regulations to protect these resources. This includes licensing commercial and non-commercial fishing and aquaculture, monitoring marine species, protecting habitats, and providing public safety services through the Marine Patrol.

Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) The Maine DOT supports economic opportunity and quality of life by responsibly providing their customers the safest and most reliable transportation system possible, given available resources.

Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) GOPIF collaborates across State agencies, stakeholders, and public to recommend innovative policy solutions for critical issues facing Maine. Their areas of focus include climate change, workforce development, housing, issues facing youth and older Maine people, the opioid crisis, and Maine’s long-term economic prosperity.

Maine Harbor Master’s Association Maine Harbor Master’s Association is an organization of 200+ harbormasters that maintain unobstructed navigation in Maine’s harbors and coastline. The Association works with partners to provide harbormasters with education and ways to interact on waterfront issues and ideas.

Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission The Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission is charged with reviewing and evaluating Maine’s response to the recent storms, identifying crucial areas for near-term investment and policy needs, and developing the state’s first long-term infrastructure plan to ensure that Maine is ready for the harsh storms ahead.

Maine Island Trail Association The Maine Island Trail Association’s goal is to establish a model of thoughtful use and volunteer stewardship for the Maine islands that will assure their conservation in a natural state while providing an exceptional recreational asset that is maintained and cared for by the people who use it.

Maine Municipal Association The Maine Municipal Association (MMA) is a voluntary membership organization offering an array of professional services to municipalities and other local governmental entities in Maine.

Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) MOCA is a State office that partners with Maine communities to strengthen planning and implementation at the local level. It serves as a one-stop shop within State government to provide coordinated and efficient planning, technical assistance, and financial support to towns, cities, Tribal governments and regional entities, to help them better plan for common challenges, pursue solutions, and create stronger, more resilient communities.

Maine Sea Grant Maine Sea Grant’s mission is to support the responsible use and conservation of coastal resources to sustain diverse, thriving coastal communities and ecosystems.

Maine Working Waterfront Coalition The Maine Working Waterfront Coalition is a statewide, non-partisan collaboration of public and private marine sector partners dedicated to supporting and enhancing Maine’s working waterfront through policy, communication and outreach, data projects, and pursuing funding opportunities to support collective work.

Manomet Manomet uses science and collaboration to strengthen bird migration routes, coastal ecosystems, and working lands and seas across the Western Hemisphere. For over 50 years, they have formed vital partnerships with businesses, producers, and educators, to help nature and local communities thrive.

National Sea Grant Law Center The National Sea Grant Law Center conducts research on marine laws and policies, coordinates ocean and coastal law researchers, and disseminates information to coastal and ocean policy-makers.

National Working Waterfront Networks (NWWN) NWWN is a nationwide network of businesses, industry associations, nonprofits, local governments and communities, state and federal agencies, universities, Sea Grant programs, and individuals dedicated to supporting, preserving, and enhancing our nation’s working waterfronts and waterways. 

Save our Shores Maine A grass-roots, volunteer organization seeking to educate the public to maintain and preserve Maine’s coastal heritage.

Sunrise County Economic Council  Sunrise County Economic Council initiates and facilitates the creation of jobs and prosperity in Washington County, Maine, by working with a consortium of community-minded businesses, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and citizens.

Surfrider Foundation, Northern New England Chapter A non-profit, grassroots environmental organization dedicated to protecting and preserving our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

Trust for Public Lands A land conservation and open space resource for landowners, government agencies and community groups interested in protecting land for human enjoyment.

University of Maine MARINE Initiative The Marine Aligned Research, Innovation, and Nationally-recognized Education (UMaine MARINE) initiative builds on the University of Maine’s marine programs to unite marine-related faculty, staff, and students across the University of Maine System with each other and with collaborators from industry, government, and the community.

University of Maine School of Law’s Center for Law and Innovation The Center for Law and Innovation of the University of Maine School of Law supports Maine’s investments in science and technology by studying and teaching about the role of intellectual property law in economic development.