Insights from the Maine Shellfish Learning Network
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Speakers: Bridie McGreavy, Tony Sutton and Gabby Hillyer, UMaine
The future of shellfishing across Maine and Wabanaki homelands is uncertain, as wild clam and mussel fisheries face pressures from warming ocean temperatures and unsustainable economic and social conditions. However, there is a lot of room for optimism as a growing network of partners across coastal shellfish communities are working together for the health and resilience of these fisheries. The Maine Shellfish Learning Network plays a key role in these efforts with a mission to promote learning, leadership and equity in wild clam and mussel shellfisheries. This presentation describes the process of building the learning network, progress on multiple engaged communication projects to support shellfish fisheries, and plans for collaborative legislative policy development.
Bridie McGreavy is an Associate Professor in Communication and Journalism at UMaine and a Faculty Fellow with the Mitchell Center. She studies how communication shapes sustainability and justice efforts in coastal shellfishing communities, river restoration and freshwater conservation initiatives, and transdisciplinary collaborations. Dr. McGreavy is currently chair of the Science Advisory Committee for the Maine Shellfish Restoration and Resilience Fund, which provides seed grants to shellfish harvesters and municipalities for coastal adaptation efforts, and she serves as the Project Leader for the Maine Shellfish Learning Network.
Gabrielle Hillyer is the project coordinator of the Maine Shellfish Learning Network, and a Ph.D. student in UMaine’s Ecology and Environmental Sciences Program and the National Research Traineeship Program focused on Conservation Science. Her focus is on the multiple levels of coastal resilience and engaged research, specifically understanding how science can be better communicated to encourage local management changes. Her work spans multiple sectors of the shellfish industry, including presenting at Shellfish Focus Day, working with bucket drifters to help understand water quality issues in Waldoboro, ME, and Thomaston, ME, and maintaining a presence at the Shellfish Advisory Council Meetings.
Anthony Sutton completed a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Science at UMaine where he continues to engage adjunct teaching in Communication and Journalism and the Mitchell Center, while doing applied research as the Community Food Facilitator with the Maine Shellfish Learning Network. His research interests broadly are community-engaged approaches to resolving issues within our food systems. Much of his work has been with the Wabanaki Nations where he has worked with the Micmac Farm and their interest in growing healthy-affordable produce, as well as with Wabanaki and non-Wabanaki communities living along the coast who are working to revitalize fisheries. Whether it is by farm or fish, these projects tend to be complex and interconnected with cultural, social, economic, and ecological issues. Anthony approaches these topics with a commitment to listening and working closely with communities to find ways to help citizens find solutions that support their community’s vision for the future.
To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Ruth Hallsworth, 207.581.3196 or hallsworth@maine.edu
