Editor’s note: This column draws from a collection of Maine Coast Fisherman newspapers from the late 1940s through the early 1960s donated to the Island Institute. Noble and lonely are the beacons that dot our coastline, shining over bustling village and desolate outcropping alike. The 60 plus lighthouses in Maine have been attracting visitors and
Those pre-school projects
In these last weeks before school, I have been in the throes of paying for college, working a summer job and trying to continue my physical training for Navy ROTC. Our summer projects are due the first week of classes, and I have been cranking on that as well. For the regiment of midshipmen, I
Promises in the wind and the pipeline
One thing we knew—or thought we knew—about alternative energy is that it is more expensive than energy derived from conventional sources like coal, nuclear and hydro. Some have been willing to pay a higher price for a cleaner environment; most have not. But stop the presses! Several Massachusetts and Connecticut utilities have just signed long-term
Hancock residents seek to preserve marine services yard
HANCOCK—A coalition of residents has come together to save Hancock Marine Service, a 30-year-old boatyard with an interesting backstory in the town’s history. Located down a long and winding country road on shorefront overlooking Sullivan Harbor, the yard provides important working waterfront access to fishermen and yachters alike, advocates of saving it say. Phil Johnson,
Climate communicators hopeful amid rapid change
ROCKLAND — Despite the daunting topic, the mood seemed hopeful when a group of scientists, fishermen, teachers and informal science educators gathered to learn how to better discuss climate change. The Communicating Local Impacts of Climate Change training, held Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Island Institute, was part of a three-day kickoff event for the
Hearing voices on a July evening
People my age have been known to gripe about the dehumanizing effects of technology. There’s some truth to this—communication via phone and email often is limited to a few capital letters that stand in for emotions, and Facebook at times is akin to that Main Street telephone pole papered over with stapled notices. No one
The ‘melancholy’ season settles on Maine
Even though there are a few weeks of it left on the calendar, summer on the islands ends abruptly with Labor Day. There is no getting around it. The boat schedules change, school starts and the island populations drop by two-thirds or more. Summer houses are quiet and the Islesford Dock Restaurant is closed. I
Nature Wars: The Incredible Story of How Wildlife Comebacks Turned Backyards into Battlegrounds.
What happens when beavers, turkeys, white-tailed deer, bear and Canada geese settle in your neighborhood in increasing numbers, damming ponds, damaging farms, spreading Lyme disease, raiding garbage cans and defecating on the 18th green? Award-winning journalist Jim Sterba turns to military terms to describe the ensuing conflicts, the wars taking place and battlegrounds being established
Lobster now in a ‘gilded trap,’ scientist believes
Nova Scotia ferry service may resume between Yarmouth and Portland
PORTLAND — Nova Scotia officials announced in early September that an agreement has been reached with the Maine company STM Quest Inc. to operate a cruise ferry between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Portland. In a written statement, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele said that Quest plans to put a cruise ferry in the