March 31, 2026 — Dayboat scallops from inshore waters — known for their succulent texture and optimal balance of buttery and briny flavors — are unlike any other, according to Downeast Dayboat founder Togue Brawn.

Most scallops can take many days — if not weeks — to reach shore after they are harvested, but dayboat scallops are brought back within 24 hours to be sold, packaged, shipped or frozen.

Brawn launched Downeast Dayboat in 2011 to share the product she loves with customers nationwide. While the business showed promise, Brawn said her technical savvy didn’t match her passion. She searched for business consultants who could help her plan for long-term stability and growth but worried they would be too expensive or prioritize profit over her commitment to supporting Maine seafood.

Then she applied to join the Local Catch Network, an organization anchored at the University of Maine that offers free business and technical assistance, scientific research and networking opportunities for seafood businesses nationwide. The goal is to grow community-based seafood systems by supporting businesses committed to the well-being of their coastal communities and marine ecosystems.

“As someone who wants to promote local seafood, I can’t just hire a consultant that’s going to focus on profit,” Brawn said. “The original impetus for this business was to get fishermen more money, not to make money for myself. While I realize I can only advance my mission if I stay in business, which requires turning a profit, I don’t ever want to lose sight of why I started this all.”

Since the Local Catch Network was co-founded in 2011 by Joshua Stoll, UMaine associate professor of marine policy, it has helped more than 70 community-based seafood businesses like Downeast Dayboat across New England, Florida, Alaska, California and Puerto Rico.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman