Working Waterfront

Maine’s coast is a birder’s delight in winter

The rockbound coast of Maine is home to a greater variety of birds in winter than in summer. Many waterfowl nest on freshwater across northern Canada. Before those waterbodies freeze up in December, the birds come south to find food and shelter. Some are uncomfortable in the turbulent waters offshore,… SEE MORE

Environment

Working Waterfront

Climate work goes mainstream

Earlier this fall, I took the train down to New York for a few days to join in on Climate Week—a collection of events organized by the non-profit Climate Group in service of reaching net zero by 2050. The sessions were spread out all over Manhattan, so I spent three… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

On the record with lobster scientist Bob Steneck

Bob Steneck can now add to his already impressive resumé membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The work that led to that honor for the former University of Maine professor came from donning scuba gear and messing around with critters on the sea floor. Steneck suspects it… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Saving a Little Diamond shore

In September, I visited the small community of Little Diamond Island in Casco Bay to witness something remarkable: a shoreline restoration project marked by new science and sheer community determination. Hosted by Island Institute, the event brought together island residents, representatives from neighboring Casco Bay islands, and others eager to… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Stars in the sky, stars in the sea

As an EMT, I have found myself on a boat in the middle of the night more frequently than the average person. The medevac trip to Rockland is occupied by patient care, but the way back can be a peaceful, quiet time. Weather and temperature permitting, I've spent some pleasant… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Changes below—Can wild kelp survive?

“Change is the only constant.” That’s one of the memorable sayings of my graduate school advisor, Dr. Bob Steneck. I started my career in Steneck’s lab, researching how the abundance and composition of seaweeds on Caribbean coral reefs can make or break the start of life for baby corals. As… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Turning to the sun

NAME: Skye Butterson-Dunn TITLE: Community Development Officer FOCUS: I work in the Center for Climate and Community on the Resilient Energy team at Island Institute, where we support Maine’s island and coastal communities in building energy resilience. We do this through strategic energy planning, forming partnerships with national, state, and… SEE MORE

Lauren Stevens sang during an event in Veazie on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. At the event, the audio version was released of a report documenting how Wabanaki people have lost access to sea run fish. PHOTO: CATHERINE SCHMITT

Working Waterfront

How Wabanaki access to sea run fish is changing

For thousands of years, Wabanaki people were sustained by “sea run” fish that moved between rivers and the ocean. Fish evolved this migratory strategy to ensure they would reproduce successfully, but it also resulted in abundant and nutritious food for people, as hundreds of thousands of salmon and millions of… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Bringing our stories to our followers

NAME: Emma Perry TITLE: Impact and Event Specialist FOCUS: As the Impact and Event Specialist I play a key role in reporting on the impact of Island Institute’s work and overseeing the administration of the Glenn Fund Community Impact grants and scholarships. Through this work, I ensure our funding creates… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Lobster fishery uncertainty—stay engaged

With chaos at the federal level these days, it is more important than ever to pay attention and stay engaged on topics we care about and support. For many of us on the Maine coast, that includes the lobster fishery. There is a lot happening—climate change, a new stock assessment,… SEE MORE