Working Waterfront

How Vinalhaven wrestles with the pandemic

Reflections is written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands and in coastal communities through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront. When I began my fellowship with Vinalhaven’s town office in September 2020, I came to the island in the midst… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Who do we want to see on our streets?

It was a couple of years ago. A message on my voicemail urged me to come to Castine for a story about a municipal water tank being converted into an after-school childcare center. I probably rolled my eyes when I listened to the woman’s message. The project seemed a bit… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Island Institute opposes American Aquafarms permit

My name is Tony Chatwin. I am the president of the Island Institute. For the reasons set forth below, I am offering this testimony on behalf of the Island Institute in opposition to the proposed waste discharge permit application for the American Aquafarms project. The Island Institute is a 38-year-old… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Salmon farm would be environmental disaster

It’s been a year since American Aquafarms—a Norwegian firm backed by speculators that is American in name only—announced plans for a massive industrial salmon farm in Frenchman Bay, right next to Acadia National Park. Longtime Sorrento lobsterman James West spoke for all who oppose this project when he stated recently:… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Frenchman Bay project will help protect maritime heritage

The U.S. is a minor aquaculture producer, ranked 17th on a global scale, but it is the leading global importer of fish and fishery products. Approximately 90 percent of the seafood we eat comes from abroad, over half of it from aquaculture. A lot of the salmon we’re buying isn’t… SEE MORE

Row houses in Eastport. PHOTO: TOM GROENING

Working Waterfront

Affordable around New England

Maine is not the only state to grapple with a lack of affordable housing. A combination of aging populations and aging housing stock has created an acute affordable housing shortage throughout the region. Because of the steep costs and massive needs to build such housing, many nonprofits and local governments… SEE MORE

The steam ferry Union on the Bath waterfront, circa 1890. PHOTO: COURTESY MAINE MARITIME MUSEUM

Working Waterfront

Before bridges: River crossings relied on ferries

Once a primary mode of transportation for many Mainers, ferries are more often a fun excursion than a necessity, at least for those who live and work on the mainland. Yet for over a century, such vessels transformed life along Maine coastal and inland waters, enabling commerce, travel, and recreation… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Affordable housing—from ‘they’ to ‘we’

An outsider might be baffled by Maine’s housing statistics. Some 70 percent of us own our own homes. Yet according to MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan, housing is now at “crisis levels we’ve never seen before.” Brennan spoke at MaineHousing’s Oct. 20 conference, which the state agency hosts every other year.… SEE MORE

The Brooks family; from left: Mark, Sally, Julie, and Stephen. FILE PHOTO: JULIA NEMY

Working Waterfront

Worker shortage impacting lobster fishery

You see the signs everywhere: “Help Wanted” or “Hiring Now.” Businesses in every sector of Maine’s economy have found it difficult to hire the number and type of workers they need. The problem has become acute in the businesses that supply lobstermen with their traps and other equipment. “Sadly, we’ve… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The island approach to medicine

In 1954, crying and clinging to my Dad’s hand with my good arm, I was brought to Dr. Ralph Earle’s office. He walked quickly toward me but then turned and whispered to Dot, his receptionist. She got up, grabbed her hat and left. Then he walked me, still sobbing and… SEE MORE