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

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

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

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

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

Stonington harbor. FILE PHOTO: TOM GROENING

Working Waterfront

Lobstermen’s Association sues over whale rules

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association filed a lawsuit in early September against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Secretary of Commerce in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the federal government’s ten‐year whale protection plan. The suit claims the plan will all but eliminate the… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The Maine coast, 50 years ago

Thanks to the Farnsworth Art Museum for use of these photos shot by George Tice in several Maine coastal towns in 1971. [caption id="attachment_28820" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Bertram Peabody and son clam digging on Beals Island, 1971.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_28821" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Painted lobster buoys, Stonington, 1971.[/caption] [caption… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The other side of Land for Maine’s Future

This summer, $40 million was added to the state budget for the Land for Maine’s Future program, normally funded by a bond submitted to voters. No reason was given by the legislature for this change, but recent history may have been a guide. In 2019, a similar LMF bond was… SEE MORE