Bristol Seafood has opened an office in the New England Ocean Cluster (NEOC) in Portland, Maine, U.S.A.
Additionally, Bristol Seafood has provided a founding sponsorship to create Inclusion in the Blue Economy, a new program to support underrepresented blue economy entrepreneurs by providing dedicated workspace and mentorship opportunities to women, people of color, and individuals from non-marine industries who are passionate about building responsible marine-related businesses.
"Our presence at the New England Ocean Cluster and our sponsorship to support under- represented entrepreneurs aligns with our mission to make seafood America's favorite protein." Bristol Seafood President and CEO Peter Handy said. "Innovation and inclusion are two essential parts of our culture, and our office at the New England Ocean Cluster and founding sponsorship of Inclusion in the Blue Economy reflect that."
The New England Ocean Cluster is based on the Iceland Ocean Cluster, which was founded in 2012 with the mission of forging connections between entrepreneurs, businesses, artists, and others in a collaborative space to enhance the region’s seafood industry.
The NEOC recently expanded into “The Hús,” on Portland’s waterfront, with collaborative working spaces, offices, and desk space.
"Bristol Seafood has been part of the NEOC since its inception in 2015. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and growth of the local seafood economy are fundamental for the success of the Blue Economy in New England" NEOC Founder and President Patrick Arnold said. "I look forward to fostering a space where they and others can continue this important work."
In recent years, the ocean cluster model has spread to other U.S. locations, including the Pacific Northwest Ocean Cluster in Seattle, Washington; the Long Island Sound Ocean Cluster in New York; the New Bedford Ocean Cluster in Massachusetts, and the Alaska Ocean Cluster in Anchorage, Alaska.
