November 18, 2025 — The following was released by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation:
The Coonamessett Farm Foundation (CFF) hosted the Fisheries Innovation and Technology Expo at The Launch, operated by Moby Dick Brewing Company. The event brought commercial fishing industry partners, researchers, and vendors together to evaluate innovative tools shaping the future of sustainable fishing.
The expo showcased technologies under development through the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) program, sponsored by the offices of Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, and Congressman Bill Keating. This federal grant program enables CFF and its partners to advance fisheries technology, strengthen data collection, and respond to a rapidly changing marine environment.
Attendees had the opportunity to interact with CFF technology partners currently advancing practical tools for fisheries research, including:
- Acbotics Research, a Cape Cod–based engineering firm currently developing an electronic fishboard and castable Oceanographic Sonde
- Lowell Instruments, creator of a Bluetooth-enabled conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) data logger and integrated deck box
- Saltwater Inc., provider of electronic monitoring systems
The event also highlighted CFF’s current fisheries and survey initiatives in collaboration with the offshore fishing fleet, including:
- Plankton surveys that adapt sampling methods for outfitting commercial fishing vessels
- Experimental fishing trials using Japanese jigging machines to target underutilized species such as neon flying squid
- Predator control projects testing alternative gear
- Seafood initiatives that establish new markets for species typically considered bycatch, like moon snails
Attendees were able to sample moon snails and neon flying squid, directly connecting marine research with culinary innovation.
A major focus of the event was CFF’s Fishing for Data: Massachusetts Cooperative Fisheries Research initiative, a research and development project supported through CDS funding. This 3‑year project will provide captains and crew with oceanographic and fisheries data collection skills and expand fishing and research opportunities through technology development and on-site and at-sea training sessions.
Through the program, CFF has outfitted a dedicated training facility with specialized equipment to support hands-on skills development in oceanographic sampling, experimental fishing, and data collection. Participating vessels will be outfitted with advanced sampling equipment to collect oceanographic and fisheries-specific data, giving vessel crews hands-on experience while contributing valuable data to the scientific community.
By leveraging fishermen’s expertise, this collaborative effort aims to fill gaps in ocean data collection, generate robust data sets for management and research, and promote the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems while creating new training and employment opportunities within the fishing industry. As the future of CDS funding remains uncertain, continued support will be essential to advancing these innovative programs and ensuring that fishermen and researchers alike can continue building a competitive and versatile fishing industry.
“This was a great event. I learned a lot from the scientists and vendors and enjoyed the conversations,” said Harold Meyers, vessel owner from Point Pleasant, NJ. “Fishermen need to be involved in research, it’s that simple. There were many good ideas presented today.”
Special thanks to all participants, partners, and elected officials for making this event a success and for their continued collaboration on this project.
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About CFF
Coonamessett Farm Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing expert research services for more than twenty years. Whether independently or in partnership with leading research institutions, our work contributes to informing management decisions and the development of best practices in sustainable fishing, farming, renewable energy, and aquaculture in the region.
CFF is led by a diverse and dynamic team of scientists who excel in their respective fields, supported by a Board of Directors with decades of experience in engineering, science, and education. Operating within a strong collaborative culture, CFF regularly partners with the commercial fishing industry, government agencies, leading academic, and private sector professionals across a wide range of disciplines.