First published in 1984, Island Journal, Island Institute’s annual print and digital publication, tells stories of life in Maine’s island and coastal communities, the character and livelihoods of the people who call the state of Maine their home, the history of how we got here, and the interactions between humans and nature.
- 2024
Way Downeast, These Towns Face Waves of Change
Jonesport-Beals retain old coastal values, while navigating fish farms and climate change
- 2024
Sears Island’s Long Industrial Courtship
At the top of Penobscot Bay, island again figures into energy plans
- 2023
How Far Can a Fish Run?
Sea-run fish and the fight for upstream access
- 2023
Fisheries From 1973 to 2023 — How We Got Here
Former Marine Resources commissioner, fisheries editor reflects on changes
- 2023
What We Saw Touring the Gulf of Maine Shore
Revealing kayak journey along 1,500-mile coast remembered 21 years later
- 2023
The Ebb and Flows of Maine’s Three-Port Strategy
- 2023
The Legacy of Islesboro’s Charles Dana Gibson
Abe Goodale follows in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather
- 2023
Island Enlightenment in a Glass
In which the writer seeks, deceives, and ‘At Last’ enjoys a libation
- 2023
Doing Door-to-Door Advocacy for Water
Noela Altvater, 20, helped bring clean water to the Passamaquoddy
- 2023
Island Institute at 40 — Community Authenticity Remains Our Focus
The details have changed, but supporting community is the common thread
About Island Journal
Life in Maine’s Island and Coastal Communities
Island Journal was first published in 1984 by Island Institute founder Philip Conkling, a writer, and co-founder Peter Ralston, a photojournalist. An early and key supporter, the late Betsy Wyeth, urged the two to produce a publication that stood out from the field of nonprofit reports and newsletters. More than 40 years later, Island Journal continues to meet that standard, gathering stories, photographs, and art that illuminate the rich culture of life on Maine islands and in its coastal communities.
The annual publication features the stories of those who live and work on the coast and islands, and reflects our history, the lessons learned, and continually looks toward our shared future. Today, many Mainers and Island Institute supporters keep a bookshelf in their home for their Island Journal archives, which collectively, contain the larger story of the beautiful, rugged, independent, and precious way of life in our island and coastal communities.
“It is, at the very least, bad manners to care about any aspect of an island and its phenomena, without caring also about its people—past, present, and future.” – George Putz, editor Island Journal (1984-1991)
Browse by Issue
Browse each digital issue of Island Journal, dating back to the first issue published in 1984.
Browse By IssueMore Stories from Island Institute
Explore our collection of stories, including The Working Waterfront newspaper and Climate of Change film series
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