Working Waterfront

Equitable access to broadband is a worthy investment

The pandemic clarified what many already knew—your ability to connect to the internet is not guaranteed. Where you live determines the quality of the infrastructure you can access. Your ability to use that connection depends on whether you can afford internet service, if you have a device to use, and… SEE MORE

A photographic rendering of what Nordic Aquafarms' Belfast facility would look like.

Working Waterfront

Fish-farm opponents distort facts

The November issue of The Working Waterfront featured a misleading opinion column by John Krueger, an activist from Upstream Watch, a group opposing plans by Nordic Aquafarms to build a salmon growing facility in Belfast. As with his previous efforts, Krueger’s storytelling is deceptive and designed to fit his activist… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

How Vinalhaven wrestles with the pandemic

Reflections is written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands and in coastal communities through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront. When I began my fellowship with Vinalhaven’s town office in September 2020, I came to the island in the midst… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Reflections on the spirit of winter

Winter: Notes and Numina from the Maine Woods By Dana Wilde, North Country Press 2021 Review by Dave Morrison While on a morning walk one early December, author Dana Wilde grew disoriented, unmoored in the season and the day. The low-slung sun and long shadows played tricks with his perception—day… SEE MORE

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