Spotlight on Sea Grant Programs: Downeast Fisheries Trail From Penobscot Bay to Passamaquoddy Bay, the Downeast Fisheries Trail connects historic and active fisheries sites that illustrate the region’s maritime heritage. Marine resources sustain the culture and economy of Downeast Maine. The Downeast Fisheries Trail builds on these local resources to strengthen community life and the experience of visitors. The Downeast Fisheries Trail seeks to support
Community Foundation and included sites from Milbridge to Eastport in Washington County. In 2012, the trail was expanded into Hancock County. New sites were selected with input from Downeast communities with funding from the Maine Community Foundation and DownEast and Acadia Regional Tourism, with significant staff time and project coordination support from Maine Sea Grant, in partnership with the following organizations: • Maine Sea Grant College Program at the University of Maine • Sunrise County Economic Council • Penobscot Marine Museum • Lobster Institute • Diadromous Species Restoration Research Network • Maine Office of Tourism • DownEast & Acadia Regional Tourism • College of the Atlantic In addition, each of the 45 sites on the Downeast Fisheries Trail has people and organizations behind it that are the foundation of this effort. Without them, the Downeast Fisheries Trail would not exist!
and encourage community projects that highlight the region’s fisheries and heritage. The Downeast Fisheries Trail presents a rich educational opportunity for local and visiting students. Exploring fisheries heritage means learning about marine science, ecology, culture, history, policy and economics. Families and student groups visiting the Trail can learn about the people that make a living off the sea, and participate in activities that bring local fisheries heritage to life. The Downeast Fisheries Trail was created in 2000 with the help of Sunrise County Economic Council, the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, Maine Coastal Program, Quebec-Labrador Foundation, and the Maine
38 Extension Tourism: Impact and Opportunities of Land- and Sea-Grant Programming
extensiontourism.net
Powered by FlippingBook