Working Waterfront

Colby’s new Port Clyde center aims to build rural resilience together

The Fathoming column has long served to bridge complex marine science with local coastal knowledge. This one has been guest-written, in recognition of the important role that many organizations play in this effort. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of becoming the inaugural director of Colby’s Center for… SEE MORE

Fathoming

Working Waterfront

Success of Artemis II shines light back on our own blue dot

I’ve never felt more compelled to celebrate Earth Day and World Oceans Day than in 2026. Partly, these holidays—on April 22 and June 8, respectively—help us recommit to conserving our planet, a task made even more urgent as the federal government continues to deprioritize science and funding to protect it.… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Gulf of Maine temperature shift renews acidification questions

Part of my job at Island Institute is to elevate the questions and observations of people who make a living from or are otherwise intricately connected to the Gulf of Maine. Often these curiosities impact their livelihoods. One question I've recently gotten from multiple people is whether ocean acidification is… SEE MORE

Fathoming

Working Waterfront

Shrimp fishery moratorium continues

It's hard to manage a fishery with little data. It's hard to collect data with few people. I attended the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission shrimp fishery meeting in Portland in December. Its goal was to determine the fate of the northern shrimp fishery, and besides the depressing news of… 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

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

Ropeless lobster gear is demonstrated in Jonesport. PHOTO: JACK SULLIVAN

Working Waterfront

More testing in the works for on-demand lobster gear

As temperatures warm, the Maine lobster season is beginning in earnest. The fishery, one of the strongest remaining owner-operator in the world, known for its adaptability and heritage, has seen its share of change. Today the industry finds itself on the cusp of another possible change with the introduction of… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

How nature steps up when waves get rough

There are thousands of examples from around the world, but what practitioners have found works best to show landowners the benefits of nature-based solutions is social proof—a project in your neighbor’s yard. SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

A poor report card from Maine’s ocean

Arctic warming and accelerating ice melt are leading to changes in global ocean circulation. With a northward shift of the Gulf Stream and a retreat of the Labrador Current, more warm, salty, low-nutrient Gulf Stream water is entering the Gulf of Maine. SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Climate plan: What you need to know

Ultimately, the "Maine Won’t Wait" plan is essential because it guides the state’s approach to critical issues like climate change, economic resilience, and community well-being. SEE MORE