Articles
Hard Times: Closures, budget limits stress Maine’s clam diggers
Local clam diggers are struggling to keep their heads above water, after last year’s repeated closures for red tide and heavy rainfall forced some others right out of the business. The owner of Marina’s Seafoods, located in Waldoboro, has been buying clams for more than 25 years. She reports that last year was one of
Ownership, right to harvest Maine seaweed are matters of opinion
In 1999 questions were raised regarding the ownership of Maine’s seaweed, particularly what’s harvested from the intertidal zone (between the high tide and low tide marks) of Maine’s shorelines. Also, there’s the question of whether Maine’s harvesters have the right to harvest seaweed in the intertidal zone. Some believe that those issues were resolved in
Aliens Invade! “Invasive” species threaten coastal ecosystem
While Homeland Security officials monitor the Maine coast for unwanted terrorists, another threat is also under surveillance — the intrusion of aquatic invasive species. The National Sea Grant Office reports that aquatic invasive species (AIS) are “the largest single threat to our coastal ecosystem, our coastal economy, and human health in the coastal region.” They
Peaks soldier appreciated Mainers’ support for Iraq troops
War isn’t a pleasant experience for soldiers or their families back home. One thing that can make a difference, though, is an effective support system on both sides of the world. Peaks Island resident Marie Watson knows how important it is to have people to stand behind soldiers because she was once a member of
One-man delivery service serves Swan’s Island
When Swan’s Island’s only general store burned in July (WWF Aug. 05), islanders banded together to make sure that everyone would have food. Several business owners expanded their hours and inventory. According to the owner of Claire’s Kitchen, it was Southwest Harbor resident L.J. (Lewis Jr.) Hopkins who helped to make their increased services possible.
Swan’s Islanders seek shopping alternatives after store fire
Swan’s Island residents lost their only general store after a fire ravaged both the store and the apartment above it on July 10. About 25 Swan’s Island firefighters responded but were unable to extinguish the fire before it destroyed the building. Firefighters from Southwest Harbor and Tremont also responded to the call. Selectman Dexter Lee
Legislature may ban “offal” in alternative lobster bait
An amended form of LD 527 (the alternative bait bill) was voted out of committee with a unanimous “ought to pass,” earlier this session, and was awaiting final approval by the Maine Legislature in May. The original bill was drafted by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) and was sponsored by state Sen. Dennis Damon (D-Hancock).
State is negotiating to buy islands off Popham Beach
The deputy director of the state Bureau of Parks and Lands, Ralph Knoll, confirmed in April that the bureau has been seeking to acquire the Fox Islands located just off the coast of Phippsburg. Knoll reported that the two islands, totaling approximately six acres, have been a major attraction for visitors at Popham Beach State
New health center, senior facility to open on Peaks
A new health center and an adjoining senior housing project are scheduled to open on Peaks Island by mid-May. The two projects are located at 85 Central Avenue. The Casco Bay Health Center is currently located in an older building, which office manager Jill Tiffany says has been difficult and costly to maintain. “It [the
Fox Islands proceed with new cable, investigate alternative energy
The installation of a new $3 million cable, which will connect Vinalhaven and North Haven residents to mainland electricity, is scheduled for March. The new cable will replace the existing cable, the deterioration of which has contributed to numerous power outages for these island residents during the last few years. “The total cost of the