An aerial view of Bremen Community Shellfish, shot in September. PHOTO: JACK SULLIVAN

Working Waterfront

Maine’s blue economy threatened by loss of access

Persuading policy makers and residents of the value of Maine’s “blue economy” is easy, but if significant investment isn’t made in commercial access to the shore, that sector will languish, according to a report published late last year. “The Critical Nature of Maine’s Working Waterfronts and Access to the Shore”… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Seafood shrinking as world’s protein source

If we do not do something to counter pressure through consumption and illegal fishing, we will face a crisis in protein supply to feed the growing world population, an estimated 40 percent of whom today are reliant on seafood as their essential source of protein. We have exhausted certain areas,… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Showing is telling: the Chesapeake’s island stories

Island Life By Jay Fleming (2021) Review by Jack Sullivan A photobook is typically conceived to be consumed lightly, making it a great candidate to present on the coffee table. While Annapolis photographer Jay Fleming’s new book Island Life is beautiful enough to earn a place on anyone’s coffee table,… SEE MORE

Burnt Coat Harbor Light on Swan's Island. PHOTO: COURTESY HARBORVIEW STUDIO

Working Waterfront

Light station restoration complete on Swan’s Island

After some 15 years of planning, fund raising, volunteer and preservation work by dozens of contractors, the town of Swan’s Island has completed the restoration of the Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station. There are four historic buildings at the light station—the light tower, the keeper’s house, the oil house and… SEE MORE

Maine's congressional delegation (from left, Jared Golden, Chellie Pingee, and from right, Angus King and Susan Collins, flank Gov. Janet Mills.

Working Waterfront

Collins secures funding for lobster industry

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has secured $15 million in the draft fiscal year 2022 commerce, justice, and science appropriations bill to support Maine’s lobster industry. The bill must still be voted upon by the full Senate and House. Collins released the following… SEE MORE

Fishermen pull their traps for the season off South Portland in October. PHOTO: JACK SULLIVAN

Working Waterfront

Casco Bay: Warmer, saltier

Casco Bay is talking to us, but do we know what message it is sending? Last month, Friends of Casco Bay scientist Mike Doan and Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca gave some answers to that question in a remote presentation to about 100 participants concerned about the health of the vast… 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

A different kind of hauling

PHOTOS BY BILL SAXTON/KELLI PARK For recreational boaters, this is a sad time of year, when the decision is made to have the boat hauled from the harbor by a boatyard to be stored somewhere on dry land. For fishermen, it’s a little different—many are welcoming the chance to sleep… 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

Marsden Hartley’s Corea and ‘Lobster Fishermen’

This column marks the launch of an occasional feature by renowned art writer Carl Little on images of Maine’s working waterfront. When Marsden Hartley returned to his native state in 1937, he was determined to become “the painter from Maine.” Born in Lewiston in 1877, he had spent time in… SEE MORE