Blue Economy Task Force

Blue Economy Task Force

Per statute (per S.P. 523 – LD 1286, Resolve, to Establish the Blue Economy Task Force to Support Maine’s Emergence as a Center for Blue Economy Innovation and Opportunity in the 21st Century), the Department is required to convene the Blue Economy Task Force (BETF) to support Maine’s emergence as a center for blue economy innovation and opportunity in the 21st century. “Blue economy” means business sectors that rely on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic health, improved livelihoods, jobs or ecosystem health.

The task force is comprised of specific members, defined in statute. The BETF will include no less than 13 members including representatives of public and private research institutions, businesses that are innovating in various blue economy sectors, fisheries businesses, aquaculture businesses and equity investors in blue economy businesses and the President of the Maine Technology Institute or the president’s designee. A majority of the task force membership must represent either blue economy businesses or entities directly involved in the commercialization of blue economy-related research and innovation.

Blue Economy Task Force Membership

Draft List of Blue Economy Task Force Members (PDF)

Blue Economy Task Force Request for Proposal

RFP deadline has passed. You can review the results of this procurement process here: 

Request for Proposals (RFP) | Division of Procurement Services (maine.gov)

Next Blue Economy Task Force Meeting (open to the public):

Tuesday, November 19 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Island Institute, Rockland.  Agenda

See a list of upcoming meetings here: BETF Meeting Schedule

All BETF Consultations are open to the public. See the schedule below and please let us know if you plan to join by emailing BizAwards.DECD@maine.gov

Consultation Schedule - Revised

Previous Meetings:

October 10, 2024 Meeting Summary and Presentation

September 11, 2024 Meeting Summary

Meetings are open to the public, so advance registration is not required. However, you are welcome to reach out to BizAwards.DECD@maine.gov if you wish to advise us of your plan to attend.

For questions on the Blue Economy Task Force, please reach out to BizAwards.DECD@maine.gov.