Maine’s working waterfront, the critical link between fishing and the rest of the seafood supply chain, becomes increasingly threatened as real estate development grows on the coast, edging out traditional wharves and waterfronts.
Island Institute releases its study “The Last 20 Miles” that—like its name implies—indicates that only 20 miles of Maine’s 5,000-mile coast remain as working waterfront.
Island Institute prioritizes waterfront preservation and successfully advocates for the State’s Land for Maine’s Future program, to include working waterfront conservation.
Additionally, Island Institute leads the Working Waterfront Coalition which successfully passes a constitutional referendum giving a property tax break to fisheries businesses that permanently protect their properties from converting to other uses.
In 2021 the Institute commissions an updated study showing continued pressure on Maine’s working Waterfront.
Photo 1: Peter Ralston
