There is nothing like a good read to sweeten the dark days of winter, and to those who live beside, work on, play on, and are fascinated by the sea, there is especially nothing like a good read with a maritime setting. Several people who have appeared in Working Waterfront stories have shared their favorite
Biodiesel: Coming Soon to a Vessel Near You?
A recent study of the feasibility of producing biodiesel in Maine poses a question for coastal communities: Will the marine industry and recreational boaters become willing to switch to biodiesel and use less petroleum-based fuel? The study, conducted by a group of Maine businesses and organizations that want to promote the use of biodiesel fuel,
New Role for Canadian Coast Guard?
Canadian Coast Guard personnel and their vessels could be armed if the Canadian Parliament adopts the recommendations of a federal Senate committee. In late October the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defense proposed that Coast Guard “play a constabulary role on Canada’s Coasts.” At least one Member of Parliament, however, has concerns that
Disappearing Seaweed Suggests Changes in Bay of Fundy
Some types of seaweed are disappearing from the Bay of Fundy, according to scientists at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and at the Huntsman Institute in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. The reasons for the disappearance are far from clear. “Something’s happening,” says Gary Saunders, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Systematics and Biodiversity at UNB.
Small Rockland Plant Produces Gel for Multiple Purposes
Along a back road in Rockland is a one-story biotech plant that turns out a product used in developing drugs, forensic lab work, testing for HIV and DNA research. The product, agarose, is processed from ordinary seaweed, farmed overseas on 15-acre plots. “It’s amazing something as simple as seaweed is so paramount to understanding DNA
Advisory Council: Selling Licenses a Bad Idea
Three members of the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee attended the Lobster Advisory Council’s meeting in early November. Senator Dennis Damon (D-Trenton), Rep. Jeff Kaelin (R-Winterport) and Rep. Leila Percy (D-Phippsburg) wanted to hear what Council members thought about LD 276, which would permit the sale of lobster licenses. Senator Damon is Senate co-chair of the
Local Control: A Debate Over Casco Bay’s Future is Brewing — But Not Until Harpswell Votes
The effects of a Jan. 20 decision by Harpswell voters whether to approve a lease agreement negotiated by town leaders with Conoco Phillips and Transcanada for a $350 million liquefied natural gas terminal will extend far beyond the 70 acres that the plant would occupy at the former Navy fuel depot on Route 123. If
Island teachers connect at Belfast conference
A great beginning. Perhaps that’s the best way to describe the 2003 Island Teachers Conference held on Oct. 2-3 at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast. Over 80 island educators attended from Chebeague, Cliff, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, Islesboro, Islesford, Long, Matinicus, Monhegan, North Haven, Peaks, Deer Isle/Stonington and Vinalhaven. They brought with
Facts, more facts: Regional history conference explores just about everything
The Penobscot Bay Regional History Conference, held on Friday, Oct. 10 in Searsport, offered something for everyone who attended. Confer-ence organizer John Arrison, the Museum’s librarian and archivist, brought together professional historians, historical society and museum personnel and volunteer researchers and genealogists in a mix of subjects that gave conference attendees a sense of life
ROSEWAY prepares for new life as a school
When the 137-foot Gloucester schooner ROSEWAY was presented to a Camden couple last year, they rejoiced. A free boat that still floats is hard to resist. Since then, Abby Kidder and Dwight Deckelmann have plunged into the work of realizing their dream: a school afloat. The World Ocean School is taking shape, at a small