We hope your summer is getting off to a great start somewhere on, or at least near, the water! In case you haven’t been following the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation (CCBEF) online, it’s been a busy and exciting year for us. Back in September, we welcomed Dina Lyons Howell to the team, and she hit the ground running, diving into event planning (supporting WaterWORKS 2026 and Big Blue, Green Tomorrow), website updates and creating content for social media. We also worked together on researching economic data for our region, which will enable us to release a new report later this summer. | | On July 15th, I participated in a panel discussion, “Small Boats. Big Science: Protecting Cape Cod's Working Waterfronts: A Path to Resiliency,” organized and hosted by the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. Moderated by Amy Kolb Kolb Noyes of CAI, other panelists included Greg Berman, Chatham Director of Natural Resources; Story Reed, Deputy Director of the MA Division of Marine Fisheries; Nate Sears, Orleans Harbormaster; and Kristin Uiterwyk, Director of Urban Harbors Institute. We shared stories about the challenges commercial fishermen have faced with deteriorating piers causing unsafe conditions, as well as the funding and permitting hurdles experienced by municipal leaders as they navigated the complex processes for meeting the budgets required for these important projects. The uplifting stories of success with recent renovations at Chatham Fish Pier and Rock Harbor demonstrated the success that comes out of ongoing collaboration between fishermen, communities, local and state agencies to research and share the data to support not just the healthy economic outlook of our fisheries, but to prepare for the longevity of our commercial and recreational waterfronts, which have experienced a 9" rise since 1970. Recommendations for the future include increasing educational opportunities for our youth, raising public awareness, and taking part in port surveys as well as in Town Meetings. | | |
John Pappalardo
CEO, Cape Cod
Commercial Fishermen's
Alliance
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Dan McKiernan
Director, Division of Marine Fisheries
| | Moderator Amy Kolb Noyes
with our panelists | |
For a full recap of our activities over the past fiscal year, read our 2026 Activity Report. You can also find past reports on our website.
Wishing you a healthy summer,
Katy Acheson
Executive Director
Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc.
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Ports of Call - Join Us!
July 29: Chatham Summer Salon
Over cocktails and light fare, Cape leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, and nationally recognized thought leaders will gather at the Chatham Bars Inn for lively, intimate conversation about the ideas shaping the future of this extraordinary place we love.
August 1: Woods Hole Film Festival
We are proud to sponsor the “Spirit of Massachusetts” Short Films Block, which include four 'blue' themed films. Tickets and passes now on sale!
August 8: Woods Hole Science Stroll
Join us as in Woods Hole as we take part in the stroll for the first time. This family-friendly annual event features hands-on activities and opportunities to learn about Woods Hole’s six major science institutions, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local environment and education-focused non-profits.
| | Resources for Employers and Job Seekers | | |
Wave Makers Employers Forum
Wave Makers is a collaboration between the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation and Center for Community and Professional Education (CCAPE) to build on the challenges and opportunities experienced by Blue Economy employers.
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Blue Economy Job Board
Whether you’re an employer with positions to fill, or a job-seeker looking for work in Cape Cod's blue economy, we're here to help! Explore our job board and follow us on social media, where we share opportunities to our 900+ followers.
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What We're Wearing
Celebrate Cape Cod’s working waterfronts with the 2026 Big Blue Charter Tee and Crewneck, designed by Cape Clasp. Inspired by local fisheries, dockside restaurants, and classic charter boat graphics, this limited edition design highlights the connection between local fishermen, fresh seafood, and the coastal communities that make the Cape unique.
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What We're Reading
The Oyster Book: A Chronicle of the World’s Most Fascinating Shellfish – Past, Present and Future
by Dan Martino
The oyster is one of Earth’s oldest animals, and fossil records show humans have enjoyed them for hundreds of thousands of years. But like so many other creatures, wild oysters were driven to near extinction by overconsumption and pollution. The Clean Water Act passed in 1972 marked a turning point for water quality, and decades later, we’re witnessing a renaissance in oyster culture as the rise of aquaculture (ocean farming) attempts to supply a growing demand for oysters that increases exponentially year after year. Look for it in your local library or find it in your independent bookstore.
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What We're Listening To
Coastal Characters Podcast with Katy Acheson
Launched in November 2025, our storytelling podcast Coastal Characters brings local folks to the mic to share their personal journeys and favorite ice cream flavors. In each episode, we talk with entrepreneurs, scientists, and community leaders about how Cape Cod’s ocean shapes their work, their challenges, and their successes.
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Waves of Gratitude for Our Sponsors
We are so grateful for the support of our 2026 sponsors who made it possible for us to engage with the community, support educational activities for our youth, learn about challenges and opportunities in Cape Cod’s blue economy, and make new, meaningful connections.
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The Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, Inc. is a 501(3) non-profit. To learn more about how you can support our work in the year ahead, please contact Katy, or visit this link.
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