A view of the village area on Michigan's Mackinac Island.

Working Waterfront

Great Lakes islanders find common concerns

By Tom Groening Representatives from island communities across the Great Lakes gathered on Mackinac Island in Michigan in late October for an annual summit at which common challenges were explored. The Great Lakes Islands Alliance formed three years ago, with assistance from the Island Institute, publisher of The… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

UMaine studies suggest ‘cresting wave’ in lobster population

Two new studies published by University of Maine scientists are putting a long-standing survey of the American lobster’s earliest life stages to its most rigorous test yet as an early warning system for trends in New England’s iconic fishery. The studies point to the role of a warming ocean and… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

On land and sea, Swan’s Island entrepreneurs find their niche

By Jennifer Helman//Photos by Dale Joyce Living on an island requires resilience, patience, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. But some islanders take that to a whole new level. Gary Rainford, owner of Coffee Love, explains the mindset perfectly: “When you live in a place like this and there is something you need… SEE MORE

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When small island nations speak, we should listen

By Kate Tagai Fourteen island states gathered in the Maldives in November 1989 for the Small States Conference on Sea Level Rise. Jack Hopa, minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries for the island nation of Vanuatu (in the Coral Sea, east of Australia) asserted: “On the issue of sea level… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Can our communities be marine-friendly?

By Craig Olson You’ve heard it many times, but it bears repeating: “Change is the only constant.” For Maine’s coastal economy, that statement couldn’t be more appropriate. For those who work on the water or rely on marine-based businesses, shifts in ocean use, diminishing fisheries, and access to steady supplies… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Maine’s place in the urgent work on climate and social justice

By Rob Snyder When I look back on the past few months, I see them as some of the most formative of my career. My work brought me close to diverse efforts addressing a range of problems, but a theme linking them emerged. Climate Week in New York City was… SEE MORE

Sean Todd of Allied Whale and College of the Atlantic.

Working Waterfront

On the record with… Sean Todd of Allied Whale

By Laurie Schreiber The plight of the North Atlantic right whale has steadily made its way into Maine news. One of the world’s most endangered large whale species, the population of about 400 is shrinking due to increasing mortality and lower birth rates. Stakeholders, including Maine’s lobster industry, have implemented… SEE MORE

Passengers disembark the Islesboro ferry in Lincolnville.

Working Waterfront

Ferry rate ‘fix’ is still not the right response

By Sen. Erin Herbig It’s time for ferry rates that work for everyone. In April 2018, the Maine State Ferry Service more than doubled the ferry rates to Islesboro, devastating not just island residents, but the state as a whole. Passenger tickets went from $5.50 to $11, vehicle tickets from… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Deer Isle, Stonington housing reaches crisis levels

By Laurie Schreiber A severe shortage of affordable workforce housing on Deer Isle and in Stonington has hit crisis proportions. Employers can’t attract new employees because of the cost of housing, causing some businesses to scale back, close, or relocate. The population of younger workers and young families has dropped… SEE MORE

Cliff Island residents gathered to celebrate establishing broadband service on the island

Working Waterfront

Cliff Island celebrates securing broadband

By Jack Sullivan More than two years ago, three Casco Bay islands began in earnest their pursuit of high-speed, reliable internet, otherwise known as broadband. One of the three, Cliff Island, just crossed the finish line, and the excitement for that achievement was evident at a community meeting on Aug.… SEE MORE