August 10, 2016
How many islanders does it take to change a tire?
I’ve been told that Long Islanders are notoriously frugal, and some of that must have rubbed off on me because I decided that instead of paying for freight service, I would just carry the sizeable truck tire on board with me.
August 9, 2016
A bite of the past: hunting apples on Great Cranberry Island
After months and months of careful research I was on a mission—to track down some of the oldest apple trees on Great Cranberry and capture their essence.
July 26, 2016
Commercial Currents: Island store owner brings in tourism dollars
Kendra Chubbuck of Shore Shop Gifts on Isle au Haut is an entrepreneur who knows the value that conserved lands can bring to local businesses. On the doorstep of a beautiful section of Acadia National Park, her store focuses on providing high-quality, Maine-made products to the varied tourists that come through the island. The following interview gives insight into her winning strategy.
July 20, 2016
Two great Maine companies recieve Chebeague Community Forum/Island Institute award
The Island Institute, in partnership with the Chebeague Community Forum, is pleased to announce that two great Maine companies, Lobster Unlimited and Herbal Revolution, will be receiving $3000 each as part of their participation in the preliminary round of the Greenlight Maine competition.
July 13, 2016
Aquaculture questions? Look here for answers
Which species of shellfish will grow in the waters near me?
What do I need to be concerned about if I want to grow mussels?
How should I be thinking about my business if I am going to start growing oysters?
What does aquaculture gear look like?
Where do I go for more information or resources about starting an aquaculture business in Maine?
What do I need to be concerned about if I want to grow mussels?
How should I be thinking about my business if I am going to start growing oysters?
What does aquaculture gear look like?
Where do I go for more information or resources about starting an aquaculture business in Maine?
July 13, 2016
Community Broadband Working Groups Highlight Island Strengths
Slow, unreliable broadband is a problem for all of Maine’s unbridged islands. Since the launch of the Island Institute broadband connectivity project a year ago, I’ve learned that while the 15 islands face many of the same challenges, they each bring their unique approach to solving these problems. Their progress bringing faster internet to their communities has been astoundingly thoughtful and quick.
July 7, 2016
Baptism by Bilge Pump
Joanne’s Angels had been plagued with a never ending slew of mishaps which forced Zach Lunt to pull his boat out for almost three months. Those three months without a boat in the water meant no income for him and his stern man while having to wrestle with a heap of unplanned expenses. This is a part of being a captain of a lobster boat that many don’t think about; I certainly didn’t until I saw the process unfold in front of me.
July 6, 2016
Coastal teachers gathered and learned: ‘Place-based education’ is more than jargon
We want experiential and place-based education in our island and coastal schools! That was the common denominator among the 24 teachers, administrators and community partners who gathered in Bar Harbor in June.
July 1, 2016
Commercial Currents: Finding the Right Financing
On Swan's Island, Brian and Kathy Krafjack got the right financing to expand their island store and begin grocery delivery to Frenchboro.
June 16, 2016
Getting lobster a seat at the table
The lobster: one of the most iconic creatures in Maine. Mainers and tourists alike enjoy this tasty crustacean, but many are unaware of the changing conditions and pressures that face lobstermen out on the water every day. With new ocean development, increased shipping and recreational traffic, and changing ecosystems, there are many things lobstermen have to consider nowadays.