October 28, 2025
When the Boats Come In
Innovation Takes Root Along Maine’s Coast
Senior community development officer Christa Thorpe reflects on the launch of Fishing Plus—a new business accelerator program designed for a cohort of lobstermen, crew members, and their families to build or grow side and second businesses.
October 27, 2025
The Steward of the Intertidal
Meditations from an Island Institute Fellow on ecology, clammers, and conversation
Kate Cart, the new Island Institute Fellow based in Phippsburg, shares lessons learnt from a day spent on the water with a local clammer. She reflects on environmental change, science communication, and the deep wealth of wisdom that harvesters possess.
September 29, 2025
Day in Community: Sam Feldman, Oyster Farm Tour
Join Island Institute community development officer and former oyster farm manager, Sam Feldman, for a day in his life hosting a tour of an oyster farm on Casco Bay, Maine.
September 15, 2025
Meet the New Island Institute Fellows
New Fellows begin climate and marine projects in island and coastal towns
“We’ve seen an increase in fellowship applicants with interest and studies in municipal planning and marine policy. It’s exciting to see new energy in these areas adding to the momentum of town and island projects,” shared Lisa Millette who leads Island Institute’s fellowship program, “and not only from Fellows coming out of their undergraduate degrees, but also those looking for a career transition.”
September 3, 2025
Island Institute and Maine Center for Entrepreneurs Partner to Launch First-Ever Accelerator Program for Lobster Fishing Families
Island Institute is teaming up with the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs to launch the Fishing Plus Accelerator, a program for fishing families to explore new business opportunities to diversify their income in the face of climate and industry changes.
August 27, 2025
Investing in Resilience
Business Resilience Grants Help Lobster Fishing Families Build a Stronger Future
Rising costs, environmental changes, and shifting markets are reshaping the backbone of Maine’s marine economy: the lobster industry. Island Institute is working with fishing families to navigate these challenges by supporting small business diversification to create new sources of income.
August 25, 2025
Day in Community: Jack Sullivan, Multimedia Storytelling
Join Island Institute's multimedia storyteller, Jack Sullivan, for a day in his life of filming in Boothbay Harbor with the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
July 21, 2025
Telling Our Own Story
Building Local Support for Maine Lobster Harvesters Navigating Digital Reporting
Folks from across Maine’s fishing communities gathered in Stonington for a train-the-trainer workshop co-hosted by the Island Institute. The objective: to prepare trusted local volunteers to support harvesters as they navigate new digital landings reporting requirements in the lobster industry.
June 26, 2025
Takeaways From the Forefront of Energy Innovation
Island Institute reflects on National Renewable Energy Lab workshop
At the beginning of the month, several Island Institute team members attended a workshop put on by the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado. They share what they learned at the workshop, both from partner organizations and new energy systems.
June 25, 2025
These Are The Days in Maine
Island Institute's Susie Arnold reflects on the collective power of Maine's climate networks.
Island Institute's Susie Arnold reflects on the power of partnership at the 2025 Maine Climate Change Adaptation Providers Network meeting.
