Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we want to recognize the extensive contributions that women across the state make to Maine’s working waterfront and marine economy. Molly Miller and Lia Morris are part of the Island Institute’s Blue Economy team and work to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for the economic sectors directly and indirectly connected to the ocean—and the people and communities who depend on this resource. Read on to learn more about what inspired their interest in this field and how they are working to create a more resilient coast.
Molly Miller, Ph.D.
Community Development Officer, Blue Economy
What inspired your interest in Maine’s blue economy?
“I have been fascinated by the ocean and marine life since I was a child exploring the mudflats and digging for quahogs with my grandfather. My entire career has been working towards sustaining marine ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them. Living in a fishing community like Vinalhaven, I have become evermore aware of our interdependent relationship with the ocean and the many ways it is economically and culturally important to Maine.”
Why is this work critical?
“My work revolves around protecting and preserving access and infrastructure of Maine’s working waterfront, as well as developing more awareness around our growing aquaculture industry. In addition to helping diversify the aquaculture industry, producing more food from the ocean is going to be of utmost importance as the global population increases. These industries in Maine, keep our coastal communities alive and also help increase food security.”
Why is it important for women to be leaders in this space?
“The women in this space are some of the most inspiring people I have met. It has already been shown that educating and supporting women lifts everyone in a community, and the strong networks they create are undeniable. As women become more involved in male-dominated industries, the diversity they bring leads to more innovation, collaboration, and contributes to the overall sustainability of our communities.”
Can you share about a woman in the blue economy whose work you admire?
“I admire so many women in the blue economy. While female scientists have inspired my career in many ways, I am equally inspired by women who make their livelihood on the ocean through fishing, aquaculture, and other marine-dependent businesses who are incredible advocates and role models regarding stewardship and sustainability of our marine ecosystems.”
Lia Morris, M.A.
Community Development Officer, Blue Economy
What inspired your interest in Maine’s blue economy?
“My formative years were spent enjoying the woods and waters of the coast of Maine. I was born on a bridged island off the coast of Maine and my backyard/playground was the boat-building company my dad founded. Beyond that, the world of the Cranberry Isles and beyond was a frequent backdrop for many special memories. I spent hours upon hours exploring under the wharf at the yard and in tide pools. More recently, as I watched the increasingly challenging news about the warming Gulf of Maine, I started to look for opportunities to be part of a team working on solutions, no matter the scale.”
What are you hopeful about?
“I am hopeful about all the smart, committed, creative people that either make their living off a blue economy resource or have committed their lives to developing tools and answers to blue economy barriers and challenges. When the bigger world seems like a lot to tackle, I look around at the smaller scale here in Maine and I am filled with hope. This work is important because we must build a toolbox of responses to an ever-changing environment, whether it be environmental, economic, or social. The only guarantee is change, and responding in the moment or taking the time to imagine scenarios for the future and how we might respond is critical for healthy communities along Maine’s coast and islands.”
Why is it important for women to be leaders in this space?
“For me the top reason I think women need to be leaders in this space is so future generations of young girls and women can see themselves in the workforce or participating in various career paths. Women depend on the ocean just as much as men in terms of making a living, but historically have been in critical support roles. Female voices need to come to the front as diverse ideas and opinions bring better solutions.”
Can you share about a woman in the blue economy whose work you admire?
“In short, SUSIE! [Susie Arnold is Island Insitute’s Senior Ocean Scientist. Her work focuses on the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on marine resources and fisheries-dependent communities]. Another person I would put forward is Robin Alden, the founder of the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, and Sylvia Earle [a marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer who was the first woman to become chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration].”
