The Working Waterfront newspaper reports on the people and forces that shape Maine’s coastal and island communities. As publisher, Island Institute’s premise is that the cultural, environmental, and community assets here are rare and valuable, and are worth fighting for.
Please join us to support this important nonprofit journalism.
- Community
- People
- Opinion
- Environment
- Marine
- Inter-island News
- Business
- Columns
- Arts
- Education
- Book Review
- Climate Change
- Cranberry Report
- Journal of an Island Kitchen
- Salt Water Cure
- Op Ed
- Reflections
- Observer
- Fathoming
- Field Notes
- Rockbound
- Essay
- Energy
- Editorial
- Letters to the Editor
- In Plain Sight
- Wrack Line
- From The Sea Up
- Dispatches from World Ocean Observatory
March 13
Swan’s Island’s Wiegle honored at Waypoints Forum
Community Champion Award recognizes broad volunteer work
By Tom Groening Donna Wiegle turns the concept of time on its head. Many of us would demur if asked to serve on a committee or take on a volunteer project, saying we’re too busy. Wiegle, seemingly, says yes to every opportunity. The Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront, awarded her with its Community Champion Award at the organization’s annual Waypoints…
March 8
Ferry service seeks do-over
New DOT commissioner to attend March 14 advisory board meeting
By Tom Groening With the election of Gov. Janet Mills in November and the formation of a new administration, the Maine State Ferry Service will revisit the rates and fees…
March 5
Reports find value in conserved land, and urge more protection
Working waterfronts and access to land close to home are targets
Analysis by Catherine Schmitt The nature of Maine—its mountains, forests, rivers, and thousands of miles of coastline—defines the state. Nature sustains families who have lived here for generations. Nature is…
February 12
Fishing, islander family takes helm of Peaks restaurant
Island Lobster Company aims for May opening
KELLI PARK Tom and Katie Werner and their children on the deck of what will be their new business on Peaks Island, the Island Lobster Company. Story and Photos…
February 5
Wyeth's Rockland work jogs memories
“Wyeth in Rockland” show continues at Farnsworth Art Museum
By Nancy Griffin The late Andrew Wyeth, one of America’s most famous artists, is well-known for his Maine paintings of people and scenes from Port Clyde to Cushing. He is…
February 4
John Zavodny named president of Maine Seacoast Mission
The Maine Seacoast Mission has announced that John Zavodny, Ph.D., will be its new president beginning on Feb. 19. "During our interviews with him, his excitement and compassion for the work…
February 1
Chebeague Island to get new ferry
Independence to be delivered by Washburn & Doughty on May 1
The Chebeague Transportation Company’s new ferry, scheduled for delivery by May 1, now has a name: Independence. A community-wide naming contest, which attracted 475 votes, chose the name from a short list…
January 30
Boothbay Harbor debate misrepresented in newspaper’s coverage
Working waterfront is not threatened, while community vitality is vulnerable
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…
January 29
Bait shortage could hit lobster fishery hard
Maine’s small, remote communities could suffer most from cuts
PEACH FREDERICK A bait bin being lifted at Rockland's Fish Pier. By Susie Arnold There is no question that herring is going to be in short supply in 2019 and…
January 29
Welcome home, Rockland
State should make responsible tourism part of its pitch
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…
Island Postcards
EPISODE 10: Keep the Light Shining
Two ambitious young women swam around the entire Island of Isle au Haut during the summer of 2019 to raise money for crucial renovations to the lighthouse.
SIGN UP FOR OUR
E-WEEKLY
Get the latest articles from the Working Waterfront delivered to your inbox every week.
SIGN UP NOWTHE WORKING WATERFRONT
LATEST ISSUE
A nonprofit publication of the Island Institute which has been published for over 20 years.
LEARN MORE