Taja is a doctoral student in the marine biology Ph.D. program at University of New Hampshire (UNH). Originally from Oakland California, Taja earned her bachelor’s degree in marine biology with a minor in fisheries science from the University of Maine. At UNH her research focuses on microplastics in shellfish and other living and non-living resources in specific bays and estuaries of the northeast, in the lab of Dr. Bonnie Brown, professor of ecological genetics and the chair of the department of biological sciences. After graduating, given her interest in multitrophic systems, Taja would love to be an oyster and kelp farmer. Eventually, she would like to tie in her love for farming and marine biology to bridge a gap between educating underrepresented groups, by creating a program to expose young minds that may not otherwise have the opportunity, to gain an interest in this field- putting a real emphasis on opening doors and creating pathways for young women of color to expand their horizons in the field of marine science and aquaculture.

Negina is currently based in the Greater Bangor Area. While they have worked both professionally and voluntarily in advocacy, they developed their passion for environmental advocacy and justice through friends and colleagues and exploring and appreciating the outdoor spaces around them. Negina spent the beginning of their life in Hawaii and was taught to understand that nature is not something we are superior to, but something we exist with and are a part of. Living in Maine has given them the opportunity to connect to the land in a healing way. Having access to these spaces and this knowledge lit a flame in their heart to preserve them for generations to come.

Austin is a student at the University of Maine school of law, pursuing a certificate in Environmental and Oceans Law. Austin was introduced to Sea Meadows through his internship at the New England Ocean Cluster where he helps local ocean based businesses solve their legal and regulatory problems. Before Law School, Austin was a Master 100 ton Captain and lobsterman in Casco Bay. Austin hopes to use his JD as well as his undergraduate degree in business to continue serving Maine’s working waterfronts.

Nick grew up in New Gloucester, Maine, and worked in leadership capacities at renewable energy startups and utilities across the country, and in international IT sales to humanitarian organizations. He has volunteered with Empower Generation, Amigos de las Americas, Engineers without Borders, The Manna Energy Foundation, and several gun safety and anti-racism groups.

Photo Credit: Jack Sullivan, Island Institute

Dave has lived in Freeport since 1968, first plying the waters of Casco Bay with his family as a teenager, subsequently engaging in fishing, sailing, power boating and island hopping with his wife Sandra and their children. Dave’s occupational background is in the medical field as a physician working in clinical and administrative roles for Maine’s largest health care system. This required participation in committee work and department leadership roles. Dave has an undergraduate degree in biology and is keenly interested in preservation of natural resources while simultaneously protecting commercial and general public access to Casco Bay.

Rebecca has worked on issues of land and water access for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission in Portland, Oregon, the Western Lands Project, and many other entities. In Maine she worked on the early stages of acquiring the lands that became the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. She created a non-profit called the Frank Knight Foundation and helps manage the Cumberland Woodbank. She has spent time or lived in Maine most of her life.

Bio coming soon…

Chad has been working on the waterfront for 20 years in many capacities. His experience as a small business owner ranges from building docks, piers, and seawalls, to planting trees, laying walkways, and designing patios. Building his business and working hard has led him to work with a diverse array of people. Chad moved to the Midcoast in 1999 from Greenville, Maine and lived in various harbors within the small communities at the ends of Maine’s many peninsulas over the years.

Photo Credit: Molly Haley