Lobstermen from Chebeague Island and other Casco Bay, Maine, communities announced on Monday the launch of Calendar Islands Lobster Co.
Calendar Islands is a fishermen-owned, vertically integrated business.
The lobstermen hope to appeal to consumers who care about their decision to work collaboratively, their active involvement in state and local industry councils and their commitment to sustainable harvesting methods.
Over the next year, the Island Institute will help the lobstermen develop and implement a business plan designed to attract short- and long-term investors, underwrite the expense of a full-time manager, develop catch-to-plate lobster claw banding and tracing scheme, and provide Web site development, public relations and graphic-design assistance.
“We know from our work with the fishermen in Port Clyde that consumers want to connect with the people who harvest their food. The success of the Port Clyde Fresh Catch brand of seafood taught us that ‘who,’ ‘how’ and ‘where’ matter just as much as what it tastes like,” said Robert Snyder, the Island Institute’s VP of programs. “The fact that these guys are willing to invest serious time and money in this innovative business model is a huge plus and really underscores their commitment to working together.”
