Join the Local Catch Network
In joining the Local Catch Network (LCN) you will become part of a community of fishermen, organizers, researchers, and technical assistance providers from across North America who are working to increase the health and well-being of coastal communities by strengthening local and regional seafood systems. LCN is coordinated by an all-volunteer Executive Committee with backbone support from the University of Maine. Established in 2011, the network includes hundreds of seafood businesses from across North America and the U.S. territories.
The purpose of LCN is to cultivate vibrant community-based seafood systems and the people, businesses, and organizations that support them. LCN aims to be inclusive, accessible, and collaborative. The network is guided by a set of core values that were developed by members in 2016 and updated in 2025, as part of the Strategic Plan. We welcome new members who align with our core values, community agreements, and those who see value in learning from and sharing with others. The role of the LCN Executive Committee is to listen and learn, facilitate connections, and provide structure, resources, and outputs that elevate LCN members and catalyze community-based seafood systems.
LCN is the community for people involved in community-based fisheries and local seafood systems. LCN is the community for people involved in community-based fisheries and local seafood systems. We aim to (1) Foster meaningful connections and long-lasting relationships among network members so that they are supported and empowered to create transformative change in the seafood system; (2) Develop and deliver relevant and accessible tools, trainings, and resources that network members can utilize to strengthen local seafood businesses, communities, and cultures; (3) Amplify research, local and traditional knowledge, and stories that bring visibility to the importance of community-based fisheries and highlight opportunities for change in the seafood system; (4) Empower members to effectively engage in local, regional, and national processes that impact the seafood system and advocate for systemic changes.
If you are unsure about becoming a member of the Network, you can simply join our newsletter to stay up-to-date with events, webinars, funding opportunities, and programming around local and regional food systems. Join our newsletter below.
Check out this table for a side-by-side comparison of how to get involved.
Membership Type & Benefits
Non-Member
Harvester/Grower Member
TA/Service Provider Member
Newsletter
X
X
X
Access to webinars/community Forums
X
X
X
Seafood Finder
X
Listserv
X
X
Access to Technical Assistance
X
X
Access professional development
X
X
Access to funding and scholarships
X
X
Join the Network
I am a seafood
harvester, processor, or distributor
Are you involved in the seafood sector and interested in strengthening local and regional seafood systems?
I am a researcher, technical assistance provider, community organizer, or foodservice professional
Are you involved in research, provide technical assistance, work closely with, or source from fishers who participate in direct marketing?
I am interested in supporting the Local Catch Network
Learn how you can support the continued growth of the Local Catch Network and its stakeholders.