Since its founding in 1983, Island Institute has had a deep and genuine passion for supporting the people of Maine’s island and coastal communities. The unique challenges these remote communities face require creative and innovative solutions. We’re proud to have been a part of these stories of impact.
Bombazine Oysters (formerly Ferda Farms)
Max Burtis of Bombazine Oysters (formerly Ferda Farms) is setting clean energy goals for his Brunswick-based oyster farm, and he's collaborating with Island Institute to achieve them.
Swan's Island CRC
Swan's Island partnered with Island Institute to form a Community Resilience Committee and assess critical infrastructure at risk from sea level rise.
North Haven Oyster Co.
Adam Campbell grows solar-powered oysters on his North Haven farm. Island Institute helped fund his micro-grid solution, protecting his business during power outages.
Grace Carrier
Island Institute Fellow Grace Carrier works with Brooklin’s Climate Response Committee to reduce residents’ carbon footprints and prepare for the ongoing effects of climate change.
The Maker Family
This Machiasport family was supported by Island Institute to purchase an electric outboard to check traps and catch bait for their son's student lobster operation.
Kathleen Reardon
Kathleen worked on Islesboro as a fellow doing fishery research. She now works as a lobster fishery biologist for the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
High-Speed Internet on Monhegan
Monhegan Island now has access to broadband internet, opening up countless new opportunities for islanders.
Kendra Jo Grindle
Island Institute Fellow Alumnus, Kendra Jo Grindle moved to Islesboro in 2013 and supported the island's families. Today she works for Maine Connectivity Authority.
Chipman's Wharf
Chipman's Wharf in Milbridge was swept away by the January 10 storm. Faced with rebuilding, the family-owned business sought support from Island Institute.
Thurston's Lobster Pound
This Bass Harbor business was impacted by the winter 2024 storms. Island Institute quickly stepped in to help rebuild.
Fifield Lobster Co
Based in Stonington, Travis and Christina Fifield received support from Island Institute to repair their dock after the January storms.
Jes Stevens
Island Institute Fellow Alumnus, Jes Stevens moved to Monhegan in 2000. She has stayed on the island since her fellowship and raised a family there.
Mike Felton
Island Institute Fellow Alumnus, Mike Felton worked with the Vinalhaven School during his fellowship and has since cultivated a career in education.
Molly Siegel
Island Institute Fellow Alumnus, Molly Siegel took what she learned from her fellowship and applied it to her career working on climate issues in Maine.
Sam & Emma
This couple is finding new ways to sustain Maine’s fishing industry through innovation, hard work, and commitment to a way of life.
Krista Tripp
Krista is an aquaculturist who worked with Island Institute to become trained in oyster farming. She also received Institute funds for her solar array.
Joe Flores
Joe grew up going to an island school that was a part of Island Institute's TLC program. Today, he helps run a ferry business.
