A man walks away from the storm-damaged Rockland waterfront on Jan. 9. PHOTO: JACK SULLIVAN

Working Waterfront

Waterfront access jeopardized by storms

The challenges of maintaining working waterfront access was the topic of a discussion at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum on March 2, scheduled well before the January storms that pummeled the Maine coast. And that was appropriate, given the shrinking footprint the marine economy faces. But a panel discussion on the… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Maine—our next big moves

I have a sharp memory of Angus King’s inauguration as governor in January of 1995. I was editor of the Republican Journal weekly newspaper in Belfast then, and we had endorsed him for the office. As an independent candidate, his thinking on the issues of the day were refreshing to… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The storm damage we cannot see

Almost two months after the January storms pummeled the Maine coast, we are still piecing together a full picture of the destruction. In the direct aftermath, of course, communities could document buildings now angled slightly off their foundations or entirely set adrift, pilings separated from their pins, and beaches and… SEE MORE

The Rockland waterfront during the Jan. 9 storm. PHOTO: JACK SULLIVAN

Working Waterfront

Mills seeks disaster declaration

Gov. Janet Mills has formally requested that President Joe Biden issue a major disaster declaration to help Maine’s eight coastal counties recover from the back-to-back severe storms on Jan. 10 and Jan. 13 which brought significant flooding and damage. In a letter to Biden, Mills noted the cost of damage… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

New seafood markets are emerging, and there’s a map to get there

“The demographics are changing,” he said. “People of color are eating far more seafood. They also consume a diversity of seafood.” SEE MORE

Sorting the catch on Vinalhaven. FILE PHOTO: JACK SULLIVAN

Working Waterfront

Seafood landing values up $25 million over 2022

The state Department of Marine Resources announced on March 1 that 2023 was another strong year for Maine commercial fishermen who earned $611 million at the dock point of sales, an increase of more than $25 million over 2022. “The Maine seafood industry continues to be a powerful economic engine… SEE MORE

Mack Point as seen from the western shore of Sears Island. FILE PHOTO: TOM GROENING

Working Waterfront

State selects Sears Island for wind port

After years of deliberating on the best site to establish a port to service a planned offshore wind turbine array, Gov. Janet Mills announced Feb. 20 that the facility would be built on Sears Island in Searsport. Port facilities in Portland and Eastport were under consideration, as was Mack Point… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Goodbye ‘Pandalus borealis’

Many years ago, my family and I began to spend summers on Vinalhaven. Over the years, first we were summer people, then longer term visitors, and now fortunately homeowners; much has changed. Not the island so much, although it has. But the oceanic world surrounding us. First to go were… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Regional work challenges idea of community

This type of regional collaboration provides a vehicle for improving social and economic opportunity... SEE MORE

Peter Ralston was named American Lighthouse Foundation’s 2023 “Keeper of the Light.” From left, the foundation’s Nick Korstad, Alan Ells, Bob Trapani, Jr., Ralston, and Jeremy D’Entremont.

Working Waterfront

Peter Ralston honored by Lighthouse Foundation

The American Lighthouse Foundation recently presented Peter Ralston with its Keeper of the Light award during the organization’s year-end gala at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. Ralston was recognized for his efforts in helping create and guide the Maine Lights Program on the 25th anniversary of its successful completion in… SEE MORE