Working Waterfront

Maine Islands Coalition—a much-needed network

By Roger Berle The Maine Islands Coalition, or MIC, was formed in 2003 when residents of some year-round Maine Coast islands felt insecure as individual communities dealing with a series of external threats. In Casco Bay at the time, proposals to build liquid natural gas terminals loomed as a major… SEE MORE

Monhegan's meadow is part of the island's freshwater aquifer.

Working Waterfront

Water harvesting as a solution for island communities

By Robert Glennon As Maine’s island communities and coastal residents address water supply problems created by rising sea levels (see "Monhegan's water supply threatened," December/January issue, they may want to borrow a tool developed in the arid West. Water harvesting involves capturing precipitation, whether rain, snow or sleet. Saltwater intrusion into… SEE MORE

Passengers disembark the Islesboro ferry in Lincolnville.

Working Waterfront

Ferry rate ‘fix’ is still not the right response

By Sen. Erin Herbig It’s time for ferry rates that work for everyone. In April 2018, the Maine State Ferry Service more than doubled the ferry rates to Islesboro, devastating not just island residents, but the state as a whole. Passenger tickets went from $5.50 to $11, vehicle tickets from… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Why Maine towns are going ‘age friendly’

By Patricia Oh Maine’s older residents aren’t waiting around, hoping that someone will make their towns and cities more livable. They are using their knowledge, skills, and creativity to spearhead a national movement to make Maine communities great places to live for all ages—from toddlers to centenarians. Sixty-six Maine cities… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Has Maine’s high court issued a public invitation to the beach?

By John Duff Maine’s unique history and lengthy coastline create a complex environmental and legal shorescape. The state’s common law recognizes private property interests that extend to the low water mark. But even when private owners hold title to the intertidal area, certain public rights, including fishing, fowling and navigation, are… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Bucksport’s not-so-overnight transformation

By Susan Lessard The path Bucksport took from “mill town” to something else—including becoming the planned home of a land-based salmon farm and an annex of Maine Maritime Academy—began more than 20 years ago. Local government leaders began setting aside funds for the possible “rainy day” that would come if… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Maine lobster fishery agrees to deep cuts to protect whales

By Patrice McCarron Editor’s note: Patrice McCarron is executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. This letter was originally sent to association members, and is reprinted with permission. After a long and difficult week in late April in which the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Mammal Take Reduction Team… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Bigger boat for Peaks raises host of concerns

By Kim MacIsaac For nearly 150 years the Casco Bay islands of Peaks, Long, Little and Great Diamond, Cliff, and Chebeague have been served by numerous ferry lines which, by 1920, had coalesced into Casco Bay Lines. Prior to 1982, Casco Bay Lines was a privately-owned company operating passenger boats… SEE MORE

A December evening image from Boothbay Harbor.

Working Waterfront

Boothbay Harbor debate misrepresented in newspaper’s coverage

By Patty Minerich The Working Waterfront’s analysis of Boothbay Harbor’s recent planning conflicts by Edgar Allen Beem (“The last fisherman?” February/March issue) fails to understand that the situation is more complicated than anyone who isn’t living it could believe. As one selectman said at a recent meeting, people aren’t lining up to… SEE MORE

Rockland's Snow Marine Park on a spring morning.

Working Waterfront

Welcome home, Rockland

By David Wylie Down East magazine chose Rockland in 2018 as the best place to live in Maine. We have come a long way. From the plywood windows on Main Street of 25 years ago amid a stagnating fishing industry, Rockland has come into its own as a major tourist destination… SEE MORE