What Works Solution

Maritime Blue and Planning for the Electrification of Washington’s Ferries

BACKGROUND Washington State Ferries are currently the state’s biggest diesel polluter, burning 18 million gallons of diesel fuel each year. However, that likely will soon change, as Governor Jay Inslee introduced an aggressive plan in 2020 to convert Washington’s aging ferry system into a zero-emission ferry fleet. The plan calls… SEE MORE

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Luke’s Lobster and B Corp Certification

BACKGROUND In the last decade, there has been a growing interest among consumers in ensuring that seafood is sustainable and locally sourced. More recently, there has been increasing focus on ensuring that businesses do right by their community and work toward social justice and inclusion. These values are often summed… SEE MORE

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Mook Sea Farm’s Solar and Energy Efficient Pump System

Mook Sea Farm, an aquaculture facility on the Damariscotta River in midcoast Maine, has installed energy efficient pumps as well as a solar array. This effort reflects the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and preparing for the effects of climate change. BACKGROUND Mook Sea Farm was founded in… SEE MORE

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The Cranberry Isles Fishermen’s Co-op’s Solar Project

The Cranberry Isles Fishermen’s Co-op, located on the island of Islesford off of Mt. Desert Island, Maine, installed a 45.4 kW solar array on their facility in 2019. Funded by grants and investments from the co-op, the system will break even after seven to nine years. BACKGROUND The Cranberry Isles… SEE MORE

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Pendleton Yacht Yard’s Solar and Storage System

Pendleton Yacht Yard, on the island of Islesboro in midcoast Maine, saw huge electric bills due largely to spikes in power use from machinery. As part of installing a 40 kW solar array system at their facilities in 2017, they added batteries to smooth out their power demand. They’ll break… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

University of New England’s Ocean Food Systems Program

BACKGROUND Workforce development in the marine biology and ocean food systems sectors will be critical to seeing Maine’s marine economy prosper in an uncertain and unpredictable future. All levels of preparation are key in order to serve all the labor needs of a growing and changing industry. The University of New… SEE MORE

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Aquaculture Business Development Program

BACKGROUND The world is eating more farmed seafood than ever before, and aquaculture continues to grow faster than any other major food production sector. Maine’s aquaculture sector generates $137.6 million for the states economy and is poised to grow significantly in the coming years. As a result, more communities are looking at ways to… SEE MORE

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Portland’s Vulnerable Downtown

BACKGROUND Portland, the state’s largest city, is and always has been intimately connected to water. As the largest tonnage seaport in New England, its deep water harbor attracts commercial vessels from all over the world – as well as recreational boats of all stripes, from sailboats to kayaks. And today,… SEE MORE

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Damariscotta’s Vulnerable Downtown

BACKGROUND At the gateway of the Pemaquid peninsula in Lincoln County is the historic coastal village of Damariscotta. Overlooking a tidal river, Damariscotta, with a population of around 2,200, was once inhabited by Native Americans drawn to the area, like many are today, for its oysters. A famous shipbuilding port… SEE MORE

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Risks to Vinalhaven’s Waterfront Infrastructure

BACKGROUND About a dozen miles from Rockland is the island community of Vinalhaven. The largest island in Penobscot Bay, both in terms of land mass and the number of people, Vinalhaven is not connected to the mainland by any structure. Transportation to and from the island is offered daily by… SEE MORE