The Machigonne II underway for Peaks Island.

Working Waterfront

New Peaks Island ferry stirs stormy waters

By William Hall The trip from the Portland waterfront to Peaks Island is short—less than three miles due east. The Machigonne II, a 399-passenger ferry operated by Casco Bay Lines, makes the 17-minute crossing over a dozen times a day. But plans to replace that vessel are following a more tortuous… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Reports find value in conserved land, and urge more protection

Analysis by Catherine Schmitt The nature of Maine—its mountains, forests, rivers, and thousands of miles of coastline—defines the state. Nature sustains families who have lived here for generations. Nature is the primary attractor of visitors and new residents. A love of the outdoors unites Maine people, providing heritage and inspiration.… SEE MORE

Environment

A December evening image from Boothbay Harbor.

Working Waterfront

Boothbay Harbor debate misrepresented in newspaper’s coverage

By Patty Minerich The Working Waterfront’s analysis of Boothbay Harbor’s recent planning conflicts by Edgar Allen Beem (“The last fisherman?” February/March issue) fails to understand that the situation is more complicated than anyone who isn’t living it could believe. As one selectman said at a recent meeting, people aren’t lining up to… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Bait shortage could hit lobster fishery hard

PEACH FREDERICK A bait bin being lifted at Rockland's Fish Pier. By Susie Arnold There is no question that herring is going to be in short supply in 2019 and the years to come. Based on the recent poor stock assessment of the Atlantic herring population, the New England Fisheries… SEE MORE

Rockland's Snow Marine Park on a spring morning.

Working Waterfront

Welcome home, Rockland

By David Wylie Down East magazine chose Rockland in 2018 as the best place to live in Maine. We have come a long way. From the plywood windows on Main Street of 25 years ago amid a stagnating fishing industry, Rockland has come into its own as a major tourist destination… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

How the community can respond to climate change

By Rob Snyder Communities are largely absent from national discussions of how to address climate change. Instead they are featured as victims. As a result, we are missing a major opportunity to navigate our way out of this crisis. National conversations highlight how the ocean is warming and becoming more… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Blue Hill grows a second downtown

PHOTO: JACK SULLIVAN An aerial view of the South Street commercial district, just west of Blue Hill village. By Laurie Schreiber The Blue Hill Co-op is on track to move from cramped quarters on a complicated downtown corner to a much larger and custom-designed space a mile to the east,… SEE MORE

Wind turbine blades stacked at the Port of Eastport.

Working Waterfront

Putting the ‘port’ back in Eastport

By Tom Walsh Maine’s Downeast coastline is so far north and so far east that northern Europe seems just over the horizon. Which it is. Washington County’s Port of Eastport is among three deep-water ports on the Maine coast. The two others are in Portland and Searsport. Eastport’s Port Authority… SEE MORE

The view from Treat Island in Passamaquoddy Bay

Working Waterfront

‘Keep the Coast Maine’ campaign nearing finish line

By Jacqueline Weaver The nonprofit land conservation organization Maine Coast Heritage Trust is well on its way to raising $125 million in its “Keep the Coast Maine” campaign, aiming to protect and add public access to the shore, while also preparing for threats to the coast from climate change. MCHT… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Energy leaders urge new governor to focus on transportation

TOM GROENING Participants at a December energy conference discuss issues during a break-out session. By Tom Groening Even before newly elected Gov. Janet Mills stepped into the room, participants in the Acadia Center’s Dec. 7 conference were buzzing about what they believe will be an administration receptive to bold new… SEE MORE