Polar Bearings December 2026

Join us on campus for our speaker series by outstanding alumni of Bowdoin College and other leaders in a wide range of professions. 

The Seafood Catch-22: Defending Maine’s Heritage While Building Tomorrow's Economy

Program Details:

Tuesday, December 8, 2026

11:30 a.m. Doors Open

12:00 p.m. Program Begins

1:30 p.m. Program Ends

Seafood is having a moment. From the USDA launching a new Office of Seafood to the federal government introducing the nation's first-ever comprehensive seafood strategy, the industry is suddenly at the center of national policy. Yet, the local fishermen who power this system are too often left out of the conversation.

Join Ben Martens ’06 as he dives into Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA)’s boots-on-the-ground work supporting Maine's working waterfronts. He will explore the outsized role local fisheries play in national politics, explain why the future of food is undeniably blue, and share a hopeful roadmap for how Maine can invest today to secure its place at the global table.

Registration is on a first-come, first served basis. The registration fee is $25 per person which will include soup, sandwiches and beverages.

Please note that capacity is limited and pre-registration is required.