Working Waterfront

Neighbors, town in stand-off in Machiasport over waterfront access

By Sarah Craighead Dedmon After a year spent finding $300,000 in funds, and securing voter approval and the signatures of 14 heirs, Machiasport selectman Jeff Davis thought the town was on its way to purchasing 37 acres to expand public access at Bucks Harbor, home port to more than 80… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

With herring decline, lobster industry looks at alternatives

By Laurie Schreiber Atlantic herring, a small fish known to school in the several billions, is a favorite bait of the lobster industry. They’re easy to catch. Lobsters love to eat them. But federal regulators have cut the herring catch quota by 70 percent for this year, in response to… SEE MORE

The top of Cadillac Mountain on a busy summer day.

Working Waterfront

Acadia is at a crossroads

By Tom Groening I confess to having a sense of pride in Acadia National Park. Not that I have had anything to do with its founding or sustaining it, but as a Mainer, I feel good about it being here. None of the other New England states has a national… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

First forays with farmed scallops show promising future

By Laurie Schreiber Scallop farming in Maine has been in a long period of gestation. But after initial trials to market last year, it’s about ready to debut as a commercial venture. The young industry leverages technology transfers from counterparts in Japan. And a new analysis shows promising marketing potential… SEE MORE

Kevin Schneider is Acadia National Park’s superintendent.

Working Waterfront

On the record with… Acadia National Park’s Kevin Schneider

By Laurie Schreiber Due to its popularity and accessibility to large population centers, Acadia National Park visitation continues to grow (although more slowly—1 percent in 2018, compared with 7 percent in 2017). Park officials are grappling with challenges that include summertime congestion and workforce housing, plus the federal government’s partial… SEE MORE

The Port of Galilee in Rhode Island is home to a thriving squid fishery

Working Waterfront

Gone squiddin’ in Galilee

By Ari Snider Capt. Kevin Jones has been fishing out of the Port of Galilee, in southern Rhode Island, for a long time. “You know, I’m 63, and I started going when I was six years old,” he said. As a kid growing up near one of Rhode Island’s busiest… SEE MORE

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