Luke's Lobster, a processor and seafood restaurant operator, is partnering with NGO Island Institute to develop the former's e-commerce platform from the US state of Maine, where both are based. 

As the coronavirus pandemic hit the US earlier in the year, Luke's Lobster was forced to close most of its US and international outlets and scrambled to launch an e-commerce platform. In addition to its lobster and crab products, the e-commerce store offers seasonal seafood such as Maine dayboat scallops and halibut. Some have since re-opened. 

Luke's Lobster, the Island Institute, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a community foundation with blue economy interests, have put together over $2.5 million in funding to further develop this platform by adding more wild and farmed Maine seafood, according to a statement. 

Maine seafood producers, harvesters, or fishers interested in offering their products on Luke's Lobster's website can apply here. "All applicants will be considered through an objective process which includes review by a selection committee made up of two members from Luke's Lobster, two members from the Island Institute, and a member from the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. All Maine seafood-related businesses are encouraged to apply, regardless of size," the companies said. 

"This is exactly the type of win-win opportunity we look for," said Luke Holden, founder and CEO of Luke's Lobster. "There have been many bumps in the road in 2020 for Luke's Lobster and the Maine seafood community, but this gives a much needed shot in the arm and helps us leap forward rather than falling behind in our mission to bolster coastal economies and have an enduring social and environmental impact. We can't wait to bring a broad selection of Maine's premium seafood to consumers around the country."

The company and NGO hope the business model can be replicated across the country. 

"Our response to the pandemic is focused on minimizing potentially catastrophic community and economic disruptions while building resilience in anticipation of future crises," explained Rob Snyder, president of the Island Institute. "Down the peninsulas and out on the islands, we have upwards of 60% to 70% self-employment. One way the Island Institute supports communities is by helping businesses leverage technology like e-commerce to stay in touch with and reach new customers. The lessons we learn from our partnership with Luke's Lobster will be instrumental in strengthening Maine's coastal businesses while informing similar efforts around the country."

In a pivot to keep buying from fishers and bringing seafood to consumers, Luke's Lobster launched its e-commerce platform within days of having to close all but one of its 26 national shacks and its 11 international shacks due to the pandemic. Initially, the direct-to-consumer platform offered its existing seafood inventory but quickly added seasonal seafood products with short harvest windows such as Gulf of Maine dayboat scallops and fresh halibut.