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October 22
Our oceans are worth a deeper dive
So much of the underwater part of our planet remains unexamined
By Tom Groening The rock musician Frank Zappa often chose bizarre, sometimes off-color, but usually witty titles for his instrumental songs. One from the late 1970s, “The Ocean is the Ultimate Solution,” remains in my memory, even though I can’t summon to mind a single lick of the tune. The title was perversely appropriate for the times. New York City…
October 22
The case for ranked choice voting in choosing our governor
New method in place for election of U.S. senator, representatives to Congress
By Phil Crossman Ranked choice voting is not a sinister effort to undermine our constitution and electoral process. It is, instead, a refinement that the authors of the U.S. Constitution…
October 22
The story of Bajupa is the story of lobstering and Matinicus
A smack with old-fashioned lines ages gracefully on the coastal runs
This story first appeared in Landings,the monthly publication of the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance, and appears here with permission. By Melissa Waterman It’s rare to find a boat that nearly…
October 18
Dear islands: Thanks for showing us so much
Great Lakes island communities offer solutions, serve as model
Jon W. Allan is director of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, an organization the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront, has partnered with in recent years. By Jon…
October 18
Early numbers show tourism generally up statewide
Repeat visitation continues to mark success of promotion efforts
By Laurie Schreiber To date, 2018 has been a generally strong tourist year, up from 2017 and continuing a positive trend of the past decade. “In a recent survey of…
October 17
‘High seas’ threatened by lack of regulation, ocean researcher says
David Shaw urges more scientific inquiry into the waters 200 miles offshore
During introductions at the Aug. 28 installment of “Coffee and Conversation,” a summer series at Bar Harbor’s College of the Atlantic, a joke was made about the school’s opening session…
October 17
Energy policy question draws contrast in gubernatorial forum
Seafood industry boosters hosted Oct. 4 candidate event in Rockland
By Tom Groening Pundits have characterized Maine’s four-way gubernatorial campaign as low-key, and the nature of an Oct. 4 candidate forum in Rockland bore out that observation. Independents Alan…
October 17
Swan’s Island looks to diversified ocean economy
Three entrepreneurs dive into oysters, kelp as hedge against decline in lobster
DALE JOYCE/HARBORVIEW STUDIO Jason and Jamie Matthews. By Jennifer Helman Ask a financial expert for the key to a successful portfolio and the response will be “diversification.” Having a…
October 12
Let’s understand our rural communities as islands
Lessons to be learned, opportunities to work together can follow
I believe the number of islands in the U.S. is growing, and here’s why. Across rural America people are feeling isolated—remote, beyond the care and concern of others, cut off…
October 9
Islesboro recharges for energy independence
Fourth annual energy conference focuses on practical steps
Technological innovations like electric cars, photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps, and micro-grids can stir up a lively discussion at a gathering like the fourth annual Islesboro Energy Conference, hosted on…
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.
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