From the Sea Up
Island Institute
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From the Sea Up shares stories of sustainability from Maine’s coastal and island communities. Produced by the Island Institute.
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Jan 24, 2023
Working Waterfronts - Deer Isle, Stonington
*Nestled within an archipelago in Penobscot Bay, Stonington Harbor is a bustling working waterfront at the southern end of the island of Deer Isle. The towns of Stonington and Deer Isle share an island and a public school system, deep family ties, a culture rooted in commercial fishing and art, and, like much of the nation, a dire housing crisis. In these towns there are simply not enough places for working people to live. Over twenty years ago, a small group of passionate Islanders began brainstorming and researching one solution to the housing problem. In 2020 that group, Island Workforce Housing, broke ground on the construction of five homes, each containing two year-round rentals. This is just one solution to a monumental issue facing this island and other communities in Maine and around the country.
In this episode, we'll learn about some of the history behind this community's housing crisis and what, specifically, is at risk if there are no long-lasting solutions for year-round housing. And we’ll learn about two solutions that these communities are exploring: building year-round rental homes, and potentially regulating short-term rentals.
*This episode was written and produced Galen Koch and assistant producer Olivia Jolley for the Island Institute. Nicole Wolf takes the photographs that accompany this episode. From the Sea Up’s Senior Editor is Isaac Kestenbaum. Thanks to Kathleen Billings, Linda Nelson, and the town of Stonington for participation in this episode. Thanks to Island Workforce Housing, specifically Henry Teverow, Maggie Kirsch, and Megan Dewey Wood. Special thanks to Anna and Ryan Woosley and their family for welcoming us into their home. This podcast is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Maine Sea Grant, and The First Coast.
For more information about ongoing work in the Town of Stonington to address the housing crisis, visit: https://www.stoningtonmaine.org/gov/economic-development.php*
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Nov 23, 2022
Working Waterfronts - Southwest Harbor
*Southwest Harbor is located on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island. A town of multiple maritime industries, Southwest Harbor boasts a tradition of superior boatbuilding and, for the past two years, has emerged as one of the top ten highest grossing lobster ports in the state. With more than four million visitors at Acadia National Park in 2021, the pressures on this side of MDI are mounting. Increased summer visitorship means business is booming, but commuter traffic, dwindling resources, and a lack of a seasonal and year-round workforce incite questions about how to sustain and support this working town. *
*In this episode, we examine the history of Southwest Harbor’s decision, as a community, to maintain and support its commercial fisheries through zoning and regulations. Visiting two iconic Southwest Harbor businesses, Hinckley Yachts and Beal’s Lobster Pier, we explore the push-and-pull of Maine’s seasonal economy, and the challenges and opportunities where commercial fishing, maritime industries, and recreation meet.
Resources:*
* MCP website: Maine Coastal Program | Department of Marine Resources
* Shore and Harbor Grant: Shore and Harbor Planning Grants | Department of Marine Resources (maine.gov) – the program statement for the current year’s grant can be found on this page
* Shore and Harbor Case Studies: Case Studies | Department of Marine Resources (maine.gov) This page has a map showing the locations of towns MCP funded, a list of funded projects, some write-ups about previous projects, and a story map highlighting last year’s MCP projects.
* Resources for preserving commercial fishing access: Coastal Access | Department of Marine Resources (maine.gov) This document has a list of state grants that could be useful for improving and protecting shore access, as well as grants that can be used for waterfront construction.
* Penobscot Bay Study: Penobscot Bay_Summary Report 12 23 19.pdf (maine.gov) This study by MCP took a really detailed look at a number of working waterfron
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Oct 27, 2022
Working Waterfronts - Gouldsboro
*A historic fishing town with over 50 miles of coastline, Gouldsboro has been at the center of a divisive controversy for the past two years. In 2020, the Norwegian-backed company American Aquafarms proposed putting two closed-pen salmon farms, totaling 120-acres, in Frenchman Bay between Gouldsboro and Bar Harbor. That proposal prompted a flurry of opposition from organizations, fishermen, and residents throughout the region. Although American Aquafarm’s initial application for an aquaculture lease was denied by the Maine Department of Marine Resources in the spring of 2022, a question about the future of Maine’s waters took hold in many rural coastal communities. *
*In this episode, we visit South Gouldsboro, a small and active working waterfront with stunning views of Cadillac Mountain and the proposed lease site. With perspectives from a seaweed farmer and cultivator, Sarah Redmond, and Jerry Potter, a longtime lobsterman, this episode explores the identity and needs of one working community along Gouldsboro’s expansive coast. As pressures from outside interests build in rural Maine, we ask the question: What kind of working waterfront do we want to see here in the future?*
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Sep 26, 2022
Working Waterfronts - Eastport
In the far eastern corner of Downeast Maine there’s a 3.7 square mile island. Connected to the mainland by a causeway and road that passes through the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation, Sipayik, this island is home to the town of Eastport, population 1,300. One of the most prominent sardine canning villages along the coast, Eastport’s last sardine factory closed in 1983. With that, a century-long industry was gone.
In this episode we learn how Eastport has transitioned from a waterfront of empty factories to a vibrant multi-use working waterfront positioned to respond and adapt to a very uncertain future.
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Oct 29, 2021
Sustainable Seafood - Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
In this final installment of our Sustainable Seafood series, we’re going big and we’re going wild! We’re talking about the mysterious, internationally regulated, strong, and powerful Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. The reputation of this fish and fishery is one of high drama, but despite making great television, it’s a fishery that leaves a lot of consumers puzzled. And so, in this episode we’re going to learn a lot about Atlantic Bluefin Tuna and hear firsthand from fishermen and researchers about why this fish belongs in a series about sustainable seafood.
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Oct 8, 2021
Sustainable Seafood - American Eel
From Aristotle and Sigmund Freud to modern day times, the eel has captivated us for generations. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the world of this mysterious and mythical fish. The American Eel is a unique creature. And in Maine the elver fishery—the harvesting of tiny juvenile glass eels—is legendary in its own right. Hear from Sara Rademaker, the founder and president of American Unagi, and those working in the industry about the history and future of this curious fish in Maine.
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Sep 24, 2021
Sustainable Seafood - Groundfish
In this episode, we’re talking about Maine’s groundfish fishery, past and present, and the potential that exists, for both fishermen and consumers. By eating a variety of flavorful, responsibly harvested fish caught by Maine fishermen—species like monkfish, Atlantic pollock, and redfish—we can support a diverse local marketplace and help sustain our fisheries.
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Sep 9, 2021
Sustainable Seafood - Kelp
In this episode, we’re talking all about vegetables. But not just any vegetable. We’re talking about the oldest vegetable—the fast-growing, nutrient-dense vegetables of the sea—specifically kelp. Hear from those working on the frontlines of this burgeoning industry in Maine to learn about growing and processing kelp and the benefits this powerhouse vegetable offers fishermen and the environment.
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Aug 26, 2021
Sustainable Seafood - Dayboat Scallops
According to Togue Brawn, owner of Downeast Dayboat, you haven’t really tasted a scallop until you’ve tasted a Maine scallop. Maine scallops have made a comeback thanks to regulatory changes and conservation efforts. Hear from some folks who fish for this fresh, sustainable, and frankly delicious variety of Maine seafood to find out what sets it apart.
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Aug 12, 2021
Sustainable Seafood - Island Institute and Luke's Lobster
We begin this limited series about Maine's sustainable seafood with the story of a partnership between the Island Institute and Luke’s Lobster, the inspiration behind that partnership, and the fishermen and species it supports.
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Dec 23, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - 2020 Wrap-Up
Craig Olson and Claire Donnelly of the Island Institute's Small Business team wrap up the series with a look back at the past year, what it's meant for small businesses in Maine (and everywhere), and the lessons learned moving forward.
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Dec 10, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - ReVision Energy
This episode is a little bit different. We’re stepping back from current economic challenges to talk with Thomas “TL” Tutor of ReVision Energy about the clean energy transition, and why now is actually the perfect time to invest in solar infrastructure.
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Dec 3, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - GRAZE
Kate Hall, owner of a microgreens farm and juice business, reflects on the challenges of being a single mom and small business owner during the pandemic. She made the most of it by teaming up with fellow businesses to create a weekly delivery service that provides local goods.
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Nov 12, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Island Apothecary
What's it like to sell or buy a business in the middle of the pandemic? Laura Serino recently sold Island Apothecary, the natural skincare company she founded, to longtime employee and friend, Fiona Robins. They discuss navigating this transaction in uncertain times.
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Oct 29, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - ScrapDogs Community Compost
Tessa Rosenberry and Davis Saltonstall co-founded ScrapDogs Community Compost. We talk about their start-up story, the importance of sustainable food systems, their goal to create an organics management business, and how they have navigated the pandemic.
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Oct 15, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Merritt Carey, Luke's Lobster
Merritt Carey is the Community Relations Director at Luke’s Lobster. We talk about her extensive and diverse career, the importance of adaptive learning, and how she’s "never been afraid to drink from the firehose."
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Oct 1, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Dave Cousens, Lobsterman
Maine’s fishermen and coastal communities have been challenged due to the impacts of the pandemic. We discussed the trajectory of the lobster season this summer and the future of the industry with small business owner and commercial lobsterman, Dave Cousins.
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Sep 17, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Status Check: 44 North Coffee and Pendleton Yacht Yard
We checked in with some of the business owners we first spoke with at the start of the pandemic to see how things are going—Melissa Raftery & Megan Wood of 44 North Coffee and Gabe Pendleton of Pendleton Yacht Yard.
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Sep 3, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Status Check: WindHorse Arts and North Haven Brewing
We checked in with some of the business owners we first spoke with at the start of the pandemic to see how things are going—Alison Thibault, owner of WindHorse Arts and Liz Lovell of North Haven Brewing Company.
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Aug 20, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - LooHoo
Cyndi Prince is the founder and CEO of LooHoo, which makes wool dryer balls—a reusable, energy-saving alternative to dryer sheets. Cyndi started LooHoo—a women-owned and Black-owned business—in her home and now leverages a local supply chain to meet a global market. Cyndi discusses how Maine’s business community can address racial injustice, and how organizations can help amplify black voices.
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Jul 7, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Topside Inn
The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and unfortunately, the Topside Inn is no exception. Rather than shut their doors, Innkeepers Mark and Brian Osborn got creative and rethought their business model.
Produced and edited by Galen Koch of The First Coast.
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Jun 18, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Sammy's Deluxe
As global food systems break down due to the pandemic, restaurants already utilizing local food systems have an advantage. We discuss how Sammy’s Deluxe, a restaurant known for its hyperlocal supply chain, has adapted in uncertain times with owner Sam Richman.
Produced and edited by Galen Koch of The First Coast
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Jun 13, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Primo Restaurant
Melissa Kelly is the executive chef and owner of Primo Restaurant. She shares how she was able to pivot quickly in response to the pandemic, the importance of embracing innovation, and how her new business model cultivated a hyperlocal community.
Produced and edited by Galen Koch of The First Coast.
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May 28, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - La Nef Chocolate
In our first mini-episode, we hear from Mandy and Dylan Metrano of La Nef Chocolate on Monhegan Island. We discuss the challenges of running an exclusively e-commerce business on a remote island, and the importance of cultivating a community with their customers.
(Photo: Kelli Park kellipark.com/)
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May 21, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Black Stone Point Oysters
Peter Piconi, Marine Business Specialist at the Island Institute, talks with Brendan Parsons of Black Stone Point Oysters LLC. Brendan is an oyster farmer, a restaurant owner, and a three-time Maine Oyster Shucking Champion. They discuss the importance of network building in an uncertain economy.
This episode features Galen Koch of The First Coast.
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May 7, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - North Haven Brewing Co. & Maine Open Online
We talk with Liz Lovell of North Haven Brewing Company about how they're adapting in uncertain times. We also chat with Rebecca Falzano, co-founder of Helm Digital, the marketing firm that created Maine Open Online, the free online directory for small commerce in Maine.
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Apr 23, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Maine Small Business Development Centers
Small businesses everywhere are struggling to make sense of the current world. To better understand the state of our local businesses, we talked with Shannon Byers of the Maine Small Business Development Center at Coastal Enterprises. Shannon has been helping businesses navigate federal aid, innovate, and think creatively.
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Apr 15, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - WindHorse Arts
Craig Olson, Senior Community Development Officer at the Island Institute, discusses the nuts and bolts of the CARES Act. Alison Thibault of WindHorse Arts, takes us through her application to the Paycheck Protection Program and shares her concerns about the future of brick-and-mortar shopping.
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Apr 7, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - Pendleton Yacht Yard
Gabe Pendleton of Pendleton Yacht Yard shares his experience navigating the SBA relief loans and the recent CARES Act.
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Mar 31, 2020
Business in Uncertain Times - 44 North Coffee
These short conversations with Maine's small businesses provide an opportunity to check in and find bright spots in this confusing economic landscape. Melissa Raftery and Megan Wood of 44 North Coffee talk about the changes they've made to keep business going.
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