Category: Columns

Working Waterfront

Powering work boats with electric engines

The last time I drove Island Institute’s boat, a 25-footer with an outboard motor, I used about 16 gallons of gas per hour. That’s the standard measure of a boat’s fuel consumption, and being out on the water for much of the day, it added up to 74 gallons—enough gas… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

When innovation crashes the party

With summer here, many people are returning to familiar places with deep generational roots, surrounded by memories and family heirlooms. Summer traditions are in full swing: children jumping into the ocean from heights that terrify older eyes, community concerts and plays, good books, tidal pools, croquet, and lobster bakes. These… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Storytelling’s role in ecological stewardship and community planning

Reflections is written by Island Institute Fellows, recent grads of college and master’s programs who do community service work on Maine islands and in coastal communities through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront.   Phippsburg is a slim place of mudflat, deep coves, strong currents, and diverse fishing histories. A few days ago, during… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Nothing more expensive than a free boat

Last summer I finally succumbed to sailboat ownership after decades of heroic resistance. I’ve sailed my whole life, but always on boats owned by other people, which is the best kind of boat. I had just returned to the island after months hiking the Appalachian Trail in the claustrophobically forested… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Finding comfort in fictional competence

When the world’s a mess, as it often feels these days, I turn to “competency porn.” This brand of fiction depicts hyper-talented people solving difficult problems, and of course, it could describe many classic works. Odysseus makes it home. Poirot finds the killer. Furiosa frees the Citadel. But I only… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Creating a bigger table

I’ve been thinking about tables lately. My father passed away in February after living his 96 years fully and generously. Creating a big table was his superpower. Everyone was welcome, and his table seemed to grow larger as he grew older. At 90, he reluctantly agreed to let us host what he insisted… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

A threat to NOAA’s funding for states

The White House recently released its 2027 budget proposal, a document that clearly signals the president’s priorities, though it could face substantial changes as it makes its way through appropriations subcommittees in Congress this spring and summer. While the latest proposal would bolster some maritime programs, it would, unfortunately, eliminate… SEE MORE
SaltWater Cure

Working Waterfront

Seeking peepers on a spring evening

It’s the first mild night of early April, and the peepers are screaming. Their shrill chorus is most noticeable from the car, where the Doppler effect magnifies their treble mating call. But it permeates the air when I walk into the house at dusk, or let the dog out later… SEE MORE