Saving Seafood

MAINE: Investigation continues into massive fire in Portland’s Old Port

December 29, 2025 — The investigation continues into a fire that tore through the historic Old Port waterfront in Portland, Maine, on Friday, damaging aging buildings and several boats.

Flames and smoke spread easily through structures along the Custom House Wharf, a 19th- and 20th-century hub for Portland’s fishing industry that now includes seafood restaurants, authorities said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Two firefighters sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.

Read the full story at NBC Boston

MAINE: Ben Alfiero, ‘face’ of Portland’s Harbor Fish Market, dies at 59

November 19, 2015 — One of the three brothers who own and operate an iconic fish market on Portland’s waterfront has died, following a long struggle with cancer.

Benjamin A. Alfiero, 59, of Scarborough, died Monday, his family said.

Alfiero and his brothers, Nick Alfiero and Mike Alfiero, have been involved in the operation of the Harbor Fish Market since their father Ben Alfiero Sr. founded the business in 1969.

For years, Benjamin A. Alfiero ran the retail store for Harbor Fish Market, which is located at 9 Custom House Wharf on the city’s waterfront.

“He was the face of the business in a lot of ways,” said his younger brother, Mike Alfiero. “Ben became a local celebrity.”

Alfiero was born and raised in Portland, the son of Benjamin and Gloria Alfiero.

He attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School.

He joined the business as a teenager and never lost interest.

“We grew up doing every aspect of the entire operation, from cutting fish to sweeping floors,” Mike Alfiero said.

In the 1990s, when their father retired, the three brothers took over.

Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald