While much of the attention on the State Legislature was on the state budget and an overhaul of the state tax system, an important bill to help island lobstermen was passed. The bill, L.D. 1231, was approved by both houses of the State Legislature on June 2 and was signed by Governor John Baldacci on
A profile of the average lobsterman
Over three-quarters of New England’s lobster is landed in Maine. The average New England lobsterman is 50 years old and has been lobstering for 30 years; his vessel is 32 feet long and 17 years old and has a 260 horsepower engine. We can be grateful to The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GOMRI), in
Parallel 44
Across the water in Nova Scotia, the provincial government has issued treasure-hunting permits to the current owners of the Oak Island Money Pit, site of perhaps the most famous and enduring buried treasure legend. Members of Michigan-based Oak Island Tours have said they will be moving forward with digs in the “very near future.” For
Housing blocked, group charges discrimination
Anais Tomezsko, executive director of Mano en Mano, looked stunned as she stood near the Milbridge town office. Just moments before, Milbridge residents voted 68 to 49 to impose a 180-day moratorium on multifamily housing construction. The moratorium vote halted a Mano en Mano project to build six affordable housing units for farm and aquaculture
Artist braves island winters for different view of Islesboro
Islanders are accustomed to seeing brush-wielding artists standing before easels in picturesque locations: near a lighthouse, overlooking a harbor full of boats, or a fetching cove with mountains in the background. Seagulls, schooners, blue water, lupines, and puffy white clouds are standard fare of the summer art scene in Maine, naturally enough with fine weather
House calls still made on Vinalhaven
The road is puddle-filled from the morning’s rain as Jennifer Desmond, a family nurse practioner, walks down the muddy dirt lane in her rubber boots and rain poncho, carrying her classic black doctor’s bag. She is headed to see her neighbor, 71-year-old Evelyn Ames, for a house call. Ames is diabetic and lives alone. Her
Desperate Canadian lobstermen say $65 million pledge from government is not enough
On June 10 Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea announced that the federal government will make a $65 million investment to help the Atlantic Canada lobster industry. “Our government stands on the side of affected fishers and families whose livelihoods depend on the lobster industry,” Shea said when announcing the aid package. The fishermen
Maine sets sail to be wind energy leader
Summer began with Maine leaders asserting the state’s leadership on renewable energy issues, attracting an international ocean energy industry conference to Rockport and ushering in new rules for ocean energy development. Over 450 alternative energy developers, scientists and policymakers from around the world were in Rockport from June 16-18 to talk about wind and tide
Ferry ramp work poses transportation challenge for Islesboro
Depending on whom you ask, the time between September 28 and November 2 is going to be misery for Islesboro islanders, or lots of ferry-less fun as the bridge structures and ramps are replaced at both the island and Lincolnville Beach terminals. The Margaret Chase Smith, which holds up to 30 cars, will have to
Maine lobster industry still hurting
It’s been a lose-lose situation for lobster fishermen and dealers this spring. The low $3.25 per lb. boat price (the price paid to fishermen) for superb hard shell lobster this spring left both worried about how low the price might drop when shedders come on the market. By mid-June lobster was in short supply as