With hurricane season hitting our southern neighbors earlier than usual, the impacts of climate change were top-of-mind entering the Island Institute’s Climate Symposium on Friday, September 16th. Over 140 mostly Mainers gathered in Portland to share solutions, ideas, and methods for businesses and communities to adopt or trial in this changing climate. In a non-conventional… Read more »
Category: Blog
Lobster has a low carbon footprint compared with other proteins
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
In spring 2021, we undertook a carbon footprint study with the Maine-based seafood company and partner of the Island Institute, Luke’s Lobster. As two organizations who care deeply about the long-term sustainability of Maine’s fisheries and responding to climate change, we set out to do this work with the consulting firm Council Fire. This is… Read more »
Island Institute Responds to Monterey Bay Aquarium
Posted by Jack Sullivan & filed under Blog.
Island Institute does not support the recent decision by Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to “Red List” the U.S. lobster fishery. They are wrong about our fishery, and we encourage everyone to keep eating Maine lobster. This sustainable seafood supports Maine’s island and coastal communities and is critical to the social and economic future of… Read more »
Innovators Gather at National Working Waterfront Network’s Conference
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
The 6th biannual National Working Waterfront Network’s Conference kicked off in Boston this past week! As one of the event sponsors, the Island Institute was proud to attend and represent Maine and our work in this sector. This year’s theme, traditions and transitions explored the culture and history of the working waterfront as well as… Read more »
Energy Upgrade
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog, Uncategorized.
The cost and reliability of energy is a real concern for communities across the country. With skyrocketing gas and oil prices and increasing disruptions from severe weather events as a result of climate change, the need for reliable, affordable, clean, and locally relevant energy is critical and growing. Through our work in Maine’s coastal and… Read more »
Island “Kelpventures”
Posted by Jack Sullivan & filed under Blog.
Kelp season seems to come all at once on the coast of Maine. In part due to the nature of the organism and its habitat, and in part due to the needs of kelp harvesters and processors, you can count on most farms being harvested within a couple of weeks in May and June.
World Oceans Day 2022
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
On this World Oceans Day, we’re embracing the theme of Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean. We, along with our friends at Luke’s Lobster, are spotlighting organizations—both ones we admire and ones we’ve partnered with—that are taking action for the ocean.
Federal Funds Could Mean More Sustainable Ferries
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
Last fall, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill includes more than 1 billion dollars for ferries. For Maine, with 15 year-round, unbridged island communities, six of whom are served by the state ferry service, this program should make us pay attention. Access to these funds would help ensure the affordability and sustainability of these vital vessels.
Partnering for Climate Solutions
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
The Island Institute was recently awarded a contract through the Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) newly formed regional climate capacity initiative to support the islands of Monhegan, Chebeague, and Long in community-centered climate visioning processes. This exciting opportunity is the most recent example of our ongoing partnership with the state of Maine that aims to maximize local understanding, support, and ownership of climate action work plans.
Community, climate, and kelp
Posted by Renny Sabina & filed under Blog.
Imagine it’s 2032. “Maine seafood” conjures up mouth-watering thoughts of lobster, oysters, and kelp. Waterways are cleaner, working waterfronts bustle with a diverse array of thriving businesses, and communities reap the benefits. You’ll find this vision for the future of Maine’s coast—one of social, ecological, and financial sustainability—in the Maine Aquaculture Hub’s 2022-2032 Roadmap. In… Read more »
