Category: Blog

Fast-tracking Frenchboro Harbor Dredging

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Last month, Senator Collins secured $500,000 in federal funding to dredge Frenchboro’s Lunt Harbor. The small island located eight miles off the coast relies on marine transportation and fishing for survival, so a safely navigable harbor is critical for the island’s everyday function. The harbor, the main point for commercial fishing activity, is also the only access point for all mainland needs, including mail, groceries, medical services, and other supplies.

Listening tour: Mount Desert Island, Stonington & Deer Isle

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Island Institute believes in showing up and listening. A recent community visit tour took President Kimberly Hamilton, Chief Programs Officer Jennifer Seavey, Chief Policy Officer Nick Battista, and Public Policy Director Stephanie Welch to Mount Desert Island, Stonington, and Deer IsleOver two days, the Island Institute staff made 15 stops, visiting with over 31 community members, gaining new insights to address economic, community, and climate challenges on Maine’s coast. 

Preemptive Action Pays Off for Hog Island Audubon

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In the wake of increasing storm intensity and climate change concerns, Hog Island Audubon proactively fortified its structures to prepare for sea level rise. The organization applied for and received a ShoreUp grant in 2021 to reinforce the historic Queen Mary building prior to eventually lifting it 3ft higher. When January storms battered the coast, Audubon’s campus suffered significant damage. However, amidst the chaos, the Queen Mary building stood tall and unscathed, a testament to…

Conversations for Action: Strengthening Community Resilience in the Aftermath of Storms

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In the aftermath of three major storm events, one in December and consecutive occurrences in January, conversations across the state are now focusing on planning to enhance community resilience in anticipation of future storms. Residents are now actively seeking information and connections to prepare their communities to weather the anticipated challenges ahead.  On January 24,… Read more »

Webinar Recording: Storm Science | Understanding the New Normal

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On January 30, Island Institute hosted a webinar with Susie Arnold, Ph.D., Co-chair, Science and Technical Subcommittee, Maine Climate Council; Director of Center for Climate and Community, Island Institute, Hannah Baranes, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Gabe McPhail, Founder, Resilient Communities, L3C, and moderated by Jennifer Seavey, Chief Programs Officer, Island Institute.

Homework without High-speed Internet

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Imagine being a math teacher, but only half of your class has access to calculators at home. Or imagine being an English teacher, but only a fraction of your students are able to take the book home. How would you adapt? This isn’t far from reality for many students in Maine who lack internet access at home. As part of Island Institute’s work supporting digital equity planning in Waldo county, my colleague Zuzy and I recently visited Belfast high school, to hear from students and teachers about the impact the digital divide on education.  

Reflections on Northeast Aquaculture Conference and Exposition

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I had my first day at Island Institute on a Monday, and by Wednesday I was boarding a train to Rhode Island to attend the Northeast Aquaculture Conference and Exposition (NACE). The Amtrak was buzzing with excited chatter between industry acquittances, old friends, and colleagues, excited to connect in person and not at a virtual conference.

Island Journeys after the Storm

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Three days after back-to-back storms that pummeled Maine’s coast in January, Maine Seacoast Mission welcomed Island Institute to join them aboard the Sunbeam to get a firsthand look at storm damage, connect with island residents and businesses, and lend a hand with clean-up efforts.

January 2024 Storms: Frequently Asked Questions

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On January 16, 2024, Island Institute hosted a webinar to share information and resources to help community members navigate the devastating impacts of the January 2024 storms. During the webinar, many questions were submitted into the Q&A, and we’re following up here with further information about the most frequently asked questions.