The Independence under construction at Washburn & Doughty Associates in East Boothbay. From left are the CTC's Matt Ridgway

Working Waterfront

Chebeague Island to get new ferry

The Chebeague Transportation Company’s new ferry, scheduled for delivery by May 1, now has a name: Independence. A community-wide naming contest, which attracted 475 votes, chose the name from a short list of five. The ferry, now under construction at Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc., in East Boothbay, will replace the 34-year-old Islander, also… 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

Working Waterfront

One winter day in January

By Barbara Fernald Summer visitors often ask what it’s like to live here in the winter. For many of us, this is a much slower and quieter time of year, affording us the time to travel, to catch up on some projects or take a class. I dedicate the month… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Childhood memories, and valuable land, preserved

By Phil Crossman When I was a Vinalhaven youngster, I lived on the western side of Armbrust Hill. It seemed enormous. A little pond, the Trolley Puddle, was nestled under granite cliffs in a natural amphitheater on its northwest flank. It assumed magnificent proportions and fairies lived in and around… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Some good news, some bad news

By Sandy Oliver Some people can see the upside of almost any bad situation; they’d keep a good attitude going even in a nuclear holocaust. I am not one of those. I can find a cloud around almost any silver lining you have. Still, when something good happens, when a… SEE MORE

North Haven town administrator Rick Lattimer.

Working Waterfront

North Haven administrator returns to ancestral roots

By Courtney Naliboff Community engagement and the opportunity to be “out and about” on the job have made new North Haven Town Administrator Rick Lattimer’s transition from federal service to small town life a happy one. “I went to college, joined the Marine Corps, then got picked up on a… SEE MORE

Actor Martin Clunes of the TV show Doc Martin is flanked by Mikki Ames

Working Waterfront

Meeting Martin on Matinicus

By Shirley Barlow My friend Mikki owns a house on Matinicus Island. She and her late husband, a merchant marine seaman and lobster fisherman, spent most of their lives on the island where they raised their son and daughter. Matinicus is a working island and for years has had the… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The ‘City Island Fellow’ finds new roots (and garlic)

Reflections is written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands and in remote coastal communities through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront. By Nell Houde “Miss Nell, Miss Nell!” Two of my students were running towards me, yelling my name. “Miss Nell,… 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

Adventures on the sea, adventures of the heart

Wayfarer: A Memoirby James S. Rockefeller Jr. (Islandport Press, 2018) Reviewed by Tina Cohen The book cover features snapshots: an airborne glider, a Friendship sloop under sail, a young man in settings connoting adventure and romance. And then there is the author’s prestigious name. But set aside attributes like wealth… SEE MORE