Working Waterfront

In the wake of sexual assault

The Damage By Caitlin Wahrer (Viking) Review by Carl Little “The dying detective’s house was a tall, dark blue thing with chipping trim and shutters.” That is how Caitlin Wahrer’s captivating debut novel, The Damage, begins: a simple expository sentence featuring detail and intrigue. In the ensuing story, Wahrer guides… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Island Institute opposes American Aquafarms permit

My name is Tony Chatwin. I am the president of the Island Institute. For the reasons set forth below, I am offering this testimony on behalf of the Island Institute in opposition to the proposed waste discharge permit application for the American Aquafarms project. The Island Institute is a 38-year-old… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Salmon farm would be environmental disaster

It’s been a year since American Aquafarms—a Norwegian firm backed by speculators that is American in name only—announced plans for a massive industrial salmon farm in Frenchman Bay, right next to Acadia National Park. Longtime Sorrento lobsterman James West spoke for all who oppose this project when he stated recently:… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Frenchman Bay project will help protect maritime heritage

The U.S. is a minor aquaculture producer, ranked 17th on a global scale, but it is the leading global importer of fish and fishery products. Approximately 90 percent of the seafood we eat comes from abroad, over half of it from aquaculture. A lot of the salmon we’re buying isn’t… SEE MORE

The steam ferry Union on the Bath waterfront, circa 1890. PHOTO: COURTESY MAINE MARITIME MUSEUM

Working Waterfront

Before bridges: River crossings relied on ferries

Once a primary mode of transportation for many Mainers, ferries are more often a fun excursion than a necessity, at least for those who live and work on the mainland. Yet for over a century, such vessels transformed life along Maine coastal and inland waters, enabling commerce, travel, and recreation… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

For Maine, here comes the sun

Maine’s climate goals are to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. The residential sector accounts for the second-highest source of emissions in Maine (after transportation), making up almost 20 percent of the state’s carbon pollution. Solar power is one of many options… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Readers write: Charged up, jumpy, and Ted

Capacity is a concern To the editor: My wife and I have been members of The Island Institute for more than just a couple of years and regularly read articles in The Working Waterfront. I read Sara Miller‘s op-ed piece in the August issue, “Leaving gas vehicles in the rear… SEE MORE

The steamship “Victorian” is in front of the Taku Glacier in 1900.

Working Waterfront

Why thawing permafrost matters to Maine

As I sit watching the moon rise above the Alaskan skyline and mighty Taku Glacier, I can’t help but wonder how many years into the future this great ice mass will remain. Recent research suggests up to 60 percent of Taku will be gone in the next century if our climate… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

In praise of the amazing bean

Each year, drying beans ripen in the garden to provide a winter’s worth of baked beans, bean soup, or even refried beans. Traditional Maine varieties like Marfax, Tiger’s Eye, and Jacobs Cattle join Back Coco, Pintos, and Silver Cloud Cannellini. Once dried enough in the barn that the pods snap… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Challenges with a purpose is island life

A newcomer to the island, upon hearing about some of the inconveniences and stressors of island life, asked me, in all seriousness, “So why do you stay?” There are times when I ask myself the same question. Like on a dark, rolling December ferry ride, shivering in my car (because… SEE MORE