Name: Bruce Doughty
Title: Community Development Officer
Focus: As part of Island Institute’s Future of Fishing program, I work with coastal and island communities in and around Washington County to understand local needs and support the long-term resilience of working waterfronts. With a background in commercial fishing, ecological restoration, grant writing, and aquaculture, I focus on building relationships and connecting people to resources that help sustain these communities.
In this photo: I’m riding the mail boat to Great Cranberry Island, one of the primary ways on and off the island, talking with local residents about current events and what’s happening in their community. Trips like this are a core part of my work. The mail boat isn’t just transportation—it’s a space where conversations happen, information is shared, and you start to understand the rhythm of island life.
During this visit, I spent time listening and learning, getting a better sense of the challenges and opportunities facing island communities, from maintaining year-round populations to supporting working waterfronts. As someone new to this role, these experiences are invaluable. They help me build relationships and gain the local knowledge needed to support community-driven solutions. Being present in these everyday spaces is essential to understanding how to best serve and work alongside the people who call these islands home. I would like to thank Alden Hathaway and Ingrid Gaither for the warm welcome, tours, introductions, and great conversations. Looking forward to the next visit.
