NERACOOS Annual Meeting
The 2026 Annual Meeting highlighted the seafood industry’s cultural and financial impact in the Northeast. We showcased its role as a pillar of the economy, the ways NERACOOS and our partners support it, and how the industry, in turn, collaborates with us to support our work.
The meeting opened with an uplifting letter from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, followed by remarks by Jake Kritzer, who gave an overview of the NSF Seafood Engine in New England. Keynote speaker Mel Allen, author and longtime editor of Yankee, shared a powerful collection of photos and quotes pulled from the pages of the magazine, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the industry.
Our lineup of speakers and NERACOOS staff then took the stage to offer their unique perspective on how ocean observing systems safeguard our coasts and support sustainable practices, as well as the importance of collaboration between industry members and scientists.
During the break, we hosted our first-ever book signing, featuring three local authors — Elle Eaton, The Youngest Lobsterman, Mel Allen, Here in New England, and David Goethel, Endangered Species.
Our presenters’ insights and audience feedback sparked thoughtful conversations that extended beyond the event, and we look forward to continuing the discussion with our partners and users.
2026 AGENDA
1:00 – 1:25 Welcome & Opening Remarks
Jake Kritzer, Executive Director of NERACOOS
Featuring remarks from the Office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
1:25 – 1:55 Keynote Address: Mel Allen, Yankee Magazine’s longtime editor and author
1:55 – 2:55 Session 1: On-the-Water Data for Safety
Presentations followed by a discussion on how the suite of NERACOOS products support on-the-water safety decisions.
Stakeholder Stories
-Fred Mattera, Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island
-Harriett “Hattie” Train, Wharfside Associates
-David Goethel, F/V Ellen Diane (retired)
NERACOOS Staff
-Presenter: Tom Shyka, Technology Director
-Moderator: Anna Simpson, Coastal Resilience Manager
2:55 – 3:10 Coffee & Snack Break
Visit authors Mel Allen, Elle Eaton, and David Goethel in the lobby to chat and purchase signed copies of their books Here in New England: Unforgettable Stories of People, Places, and Memories That Connect Us All, The Youngest Lobsterman, and Endangered Species: Chronicles of the Life of a New England Fisherman and the F/V Ellen Diane.
3:10 – 4:10 Session 2: Scientific Information for Sustainability
Presentations followed by a discussion on the ways in which ecological information can be used to streamline productivity within the industry.
Stakeholder Stories
-Susie Arnold, Island Institute
-Jeff Miller, University of New Hampshire
-Oliver Dixon, Blue Acres Aquaculture
NERACOOS Staff
-Presenter: Cameron Thompson, Pelagic Ecologist
-Moderator: Jackie Motyka, Strategy Director
4:10 – 5:10 Session 3: Collaboration with the Seafood Industry
Presentations followed by a discussion on how collaboration within the seafood industry is closing knowledge gaps and moving innovation forward.
Stakeholder Stories
-Sam Siedlecki, University of Connecticut
-Aubrey Church, Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Association
-Chuck Loring, Penobscot Nation
NERACOOS Staff
-Presenter: Austin Pugh, Coastal Ecosystem Coordinator
-Moderator: Katy Bland, Engagement & Research Manager
5:10 – 5:25 Closing Remarks
5:30 – 7:00 Reception
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