The Working Waterfront newspaper reports on the people and forces that shape Maine’s coastal and island communities. As publisher, Island Institute’s premise is that the cultural, environmental, and community assets here are rare and valuable, and are worth fighting for.
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August 19
Planning for a stormy future pays off
Town climate committees help secure funding
Some local leaders are crediting municipal sea level rise and climate resilence committees for giving their communities a head start in the race for millions of federal, state, and private dollars that are now heading for Maine’s coast. “It’s really important to have this town infrastructure in place,” said Bill Zoellick, who chairs Gouldsboro’s Coastal Resilience Committee. “In most communities…
August 14
Let’s be real about crime anxiety
Numbers don’t lie—Maine remains a safe place to live
A couple of months ago I saw a news item about human remains being discovered in Gorham, just west of Portland. I looked for the follow-up story, and it turned…
August 14
Saving our safe passage sentinels
Lighthouses saved, quilts bestowed, lessons learned
It took an act of Congress and some well-placed support from then Sen. George Mitchell to seal the deal, resulting in the transfer of 27 lighthouses into caring hands.
July 24
An honest look at idyllic island life
Island Institute Fellow’s column made important point
I'm always grateful for my email deliveries of The Working Waterfront. The edition with Island Institute Fellow Katie Liberman's column was especially poignant (Reflections, “A stark reminder of the need…
July 24
What created Maine’s brief whaling industry
Menhaden missing in Gulf of Maine in 1879
Menhaden, also referred to as pogies or mossbunkers, are currently one of several species of bait fish used in the lobster industry. Historically, these fish were harvested for entirely different…
July 24
It’s the people part of island life
Dead and alive, they enrich and inform community
History is made and told by people. It’s happening as you read this newspaper.
July 24
Remembering Gramp—role model and patriot
Fourth of July triggers a sad memory
The Fourth of July reminds me each year of a memorable Independence Day Celebration in 1984, when my grandfather, Edwin (Ted) Maddox, a highly regarded islander, selectman, and staunch Republican…
July 24
Package delivery across the water
Neighborliness and planning rules the process
Comments overheard at the town dock on either of the Cranberry Isles on almost any given summer day: “The shed is too full!” “These boxes are a mess!” “Did you…
July 24
Small fish, big role
Menhaden, or ‘pogies,’ are boon to lobster fishery
In 2021, Maine’s commercial harvesters landed 22.1 million pounds valued at $9.5 million (Maine Department of Marine Resources data).
Island Postcards
EPISODE 10: Keep the Light Shining
Two ambitious young women swam around the entire Island of Isle au Haut during the summer of 2019 to raise money for crucial renovations to the lighthouse.
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