Seeing Seafood - Perspectives from the Water & the Kitchen

Hear from James Beard-nominated chef Jordan Rubin (Mr. Tuna, Bar Futo, Crispy Gai) and Monique Coombs of the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association as part of an interactive, photo-driven discussion of working waterfronts and local seafood.

In 2024, Maine-based National Geographic photographer David McLain worked with MCFA to document Maine’s iconic working waterfront and fishermen in action. But what the general public sees in these photos may be quite different from what those within the fishing or foodie community see. Monique and Jordan will guide a conversation with the audience about the striking visuals of commercial fishing and how they contrast with the day-to-day realities of harvesting and sourcing local seafood.

Monique Coombs is the Director of Community Programs at the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, where she leads initiatives that support the health and well-being of commercial fishermen, fishing families, and coastal communities. A member of a fishing family herself, Monique has worked in the commercial fishing industry for nearly 16 years. Her work includes advocating for Maine’s working waterfronts and addressing the unique challenges facing coastal communities, from mental health to climate impacts and coastal development. Monique brings both personal experience and professional dedication to protecting Maine’s vibrant, resilient fishing heritage.

Jordan Rubin is the chef and owner of Mr. Tuna, and co-owner of Bar Futo and Crispy Gai, all located in downtown Portland. Through all of his ventures, he has forged relationships with a vast network of Maine growers and fishers, emphasizing the importance of responsibly sourced fish as part of his holistic approach to sustainability. Jordan is a 2025 James Beard foundation semifinalist for Best Chef Northeast. Recently, Mr. Tuna was featured in the New York Times, Food and Wine, and the Boston Globe for Best Dishes of 2024.

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