Working Waterfront

UMaine studies suggest ‘cresting wave’ in lobster population

Two new studies published by University of Maine scientists are putting a long-standing survey of the American lobster’s earliest life stages to its most rigorous test yet as an early warning system for trends in New England’s iconic fishery. The studies point to the role of a warming ocean and… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

On land and sea, Swan’s Island entrepreneurs find their niche

By Jennifer Helman//Photos by Dale Joyce Living on an island requires resilience, patience, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. But some islanders take that to a whole new level. Gary Rainford, owner of Coffee Love, explains the mindset perfectly: “When you live in a place like this and there is something you need… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Can our communities be marine-friendly?

By Craig Olson You’ve heard it many times, but it bears repeating: “Change is the only constant.” For Maine’s coastal economy, that statement couldn’t be more appropriate. For those who work on the water or rely on marine-based businesses, shifts in ocean use, diminishing fisheries, and access to steady supplies… SEE MORE

Ryan Murphy hands out cards explaining how to turn on the Libby Island fog horn.

Working Waterfront

Libby Island a little too quiet for comfort

By Tom Groening Even with the ubiquity of radar and GPS, navigating the waters off the Washington County coast can be treacherous. The bays and estuaries are often foggy, and the region sees the most dramatic tidal range on the Maine coast. So when the fog horn on Libby Island… SEE MORE

Sean Todd of Allied Whale and College of the Atlantic.

Working Waterfront

On the record with… Sean Todd of Allied Whale

By Laurie Schreiber The plight of the North Atlantic right whale has steadily made its way into Maine news. One of the world’s most endangered large whale species, the population of about 400 is shrinking due to increasing mortality and lower birth rates. Stakeholders, including Maine’s lobster industry, have implemented… SEE MORE

Amy and Andy Barstow on the dock of Monhegan Boat Lines.

Working Waterfront

Monhegan Boat Lines rebuilding on waterfront

By Tom Groening In theory, the home base of Monhegan Boat Lines in Port Clyde is much like a bus station. There’s an office to sell tickets, a passenger waiting room, parking, and a designated site to board. But that’s where the similarities end. Amy and Andy Barstow, who have… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Women on the working waterfront, and on our pages

By Tom Groening If newspaper readers could be proverbial flies on the wall during meetings at which editors plan news coverage, most conspiracy theories about bias and political agendas would fade away. I’m reminded (yet again) of a Jerry Seinfeld comedy bit, in which he notes, “It's amazing that the… SEE MORE

Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative’s new executive director

Working Waterfront

Podcasts and webinars—lobster marketing goes 21st century

By Laurie Schreiber The new executive director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative aims to increase product value and tackle messaging around issues that affect the lobster industry. In April, the collaborative’s board of directors appointed Marianne LaCroix as executive director. She had been serving as interim chief since Matt Jacobson, who… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Merritt Carey fights for a waterfront way of life

By Tom Groening She’s sailed around the world with an all-female crew and competed in the America’s Cup with the first all-female team. She earned a law degree, worked for a Canadian seaweed processing firm, and lived for a time in New Zealand. But for Merritt Carey, the small coastal… SEE MORE

A North Atlantic right whale breaches in the Bay of Fundy.

Working Waterfront

A scientist’s view on right whale challenge

By Stephanie Bouchard The first time Nick Record saw a North Atlantic right whale was in 2007. He was out on a boat in Cape Cod Bay with a guy named Stormy (seriously), when the water around them began bubbling and churning. Up through the water came a huge right… SEE MORE