A pair of Maine nonprofits is trying to help lobstermen, their families and crew members start other businesses as the storied industry reckons with an uncertain future.

The Island Institute and the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs are accepting applications for a new program this fall to teach them financial literacy skills and how to develop and launch side businesses.

Inflation and rising costs in recent years have made it harder for lobstermen to make a living off fishing alone. Looming federal regulations could require them to make expensive changes. And the impacts of climate change could leave the industry with no lobstering businesses to run.

“We all know that the fishery is changing. The waters are warming, and this is something that all fishing families will have to deal with,”

See Full Page