Articles
Diversifying to survive; A Kennebunkport fisherman acts on his brainstorm
Fisherman Michael Day of Kennebunk likes to kid around and say the idea for his alternative marine-based occupation – tour boat operator – was the result of “a fisherman going to bed at night after he’d eaten too much garlic and waking up at 1 a.m. with a brainstorm.” But actually, it is part of
The frozen lobster business extends its reach
Jeff Holden, owner of Portland Shellfish and Claw Island Foods of Vinalhaven, says the two companies handled about half a million pounds of lobster in 2001. In 2002, he hopes to exceed that amount by 20 percent, largely as a result of a new alliance forged between Claw Island and Inland Seafood, a major processor,
Testing, testing, testing
If anyone mentions something might be beneficial for lobster pounds or the lobster industry in general, Herb Hodgkins’ ears perk up like a fire horse hearing the alarm. He’s off and running, willing to devote oodles of time and energy to whatever it is that might improve the lot of anyone associated with the lobster
Lobstering, the catch-and-release way
John Nicolai says it took him a long time to forge a connection with the sea, even though he has a line of ancestors who have made their living in various maritime pursuits, from fishing off the island of Corsica to captaining schooners from Southern Spain to Morocco to serving in the navy and merchant
Hancock fisherman tests artificial lobster bait
A “beautiful smelling bait?” Herb Hodgkins of Hancock, who uttered that oxymoron should know. He has been testing a new concoction for researchers at University of Maine in Orono and vows that women will love it. “They’ll let their husbands come in the house with their fishing clothes on,” he says. “They even might bait
Fishermen face health insurance crisis
“I think we’ve hit rock bottom,” said Patrice Farrey, director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, while talking at the Fishermen’s Forum about the cost of health insurance for Maine’s fishermen. “Any relief that could be provided for the fishing industry would be a step in the right direction.” Farrey was one of about 70 people
Sue Inches promotes value-added seafood
As Director of Industry Development for the Department of Marine Resources, Sue Inches has logged thousands of miles to stay in touch with the seafood processors, wharf owners and other seafood businesses scattered along Maine’s very long coastline. She feels it would be impossible for her to fulfill her job’s mission to support shoreside development
West Nile Virus, 2002
Dead birds may be the best indicators West Nile Virus (WNV) has arrived in Maine, and like deer ticks and Lyme Disease, health experts believe it is here to stay and will spread throughout the state. “It’s not going away,” said Duane Gubler, Director of Vector Borne Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control,
A watershed advocate in Guatemala respects local economic realities
A watershed advocate in Guatemala respects local economic realities Last month, Working Waterfront highlighted the Friends of Casco Bay’s efforts to protect and preserve Casco Bay. This story features the efforts of a similar organization — AMSCLAE — to protect and preserve Lake Atitlan, considered Guatemala’s most valuable natural resource. Environmental work in Guatemala, a
Casco BayKeeper addresses a region’s pollution, one problem at a time
The woman’s story is an indicator that the health of the bay has improved, says Payne, but he’s quick to add that he can give more objective evidence as well. “Ten years ago, 49 percent of the bay’s clam flats were closed due to pollution,” he says. “Now, that number is in the teens, a