The Maine Lobster Community Alliance (MLCA), a non-profit based in Kennebunk whose mission is to foster thriving coastal communities and preserve Maine’s lobstering heritage, announced today that it is donating $10,000 to the Working Waterfront Support Fund.

The fund was established following January’s devastating storms and historic flooding that caused widespread destruction and millions of dollars of damage in communities up and down the Maine coast.

MLCA is working with other fishing and working waterfront partner organizations including the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA), Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, Maine Marine Trades Association, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, and the Maine Lobstering Union to survey the damage and determine how the Working Waterfront Support Fund can be most useful.

“Lobstermen can’t get to work if they don’t have access to working waterfront,” said Amber-Jean Nickel, president of the MLCA. “Right now, so many hardworking families who live in our coastal communities are suffering and trying to pick up the pieces. We are confident that the state and federal government will eventually provide financial resources to help the rebuilding, but we anticipate that the Working Waterfront Support Fund can provide not only a little bit of help today, but also a little bit of hope.”

MLCA also announced that it is selling special “Preserve and Protect” merchandise for anyone interested in helping to support the rebuilding process. Proceeds from the sale of this merchandise will support the Working Waterfront Support Fund. Products can be found here.