One of my favorite Simpsons episodes is one in which Lisa decides to research Springfield’s history, only to find that Jebediah Springfield, her hometown’s namesake, was a scoundrel. Only Lisa chokes in the end, in my opinion, concealing her discovery from her fellow townspeople on the theory that ignorance is, in fact, bliss. Lisa may
Begs to differ
This is in response to a letter published in your Working Waterfront titled “Right spokesperson?” by Steve Parker. I live on Chebeague Island, my husband is a lobsterman, and I run a small plumbing business. David Hill is my brother-in-law. David and I don’t always agree on issues but I would trust him to represent
“Gray Zone” lobster season gets underway with no dispute resolution
Another season of lobstering in the “Gray Zone” has begun with no resolution of the dispute between Grand Manan and Washington County fishermen. At press time, however, there were no reports of cut or vandalized gear despite tensions on both sides of the border. Both the U.S. and Canadian governments have laid claim to a
Gated beach case lands in court
A sign on Route 131, on the St. George peninsula, has proclaimed “Welcome to Martinsville; Come Again” for as long as anyone can remember. And for all that time, the public has used Martinsville Beach. But then it was gated off. Now, a citizens group in St. George has filed a complaint in court claiming
Not one of a kind
To the editor: We enjoy Working Waterfront, and read nearly everything! Have one correction (or further info) for you: Sea Bags (article by Katherine Paul, July) is not “one-of-a-kind” – Gail Mazul does “Totes from Boats” in South Portland, and promises 10 percent of her profits to cancer research. We have a nice example of
Shellfish from the Deep
Thanks to a demonstration project at University of New Hampshire, funded by a grant from NOAA, fishermen who need to find alternative part-time work that will keep them on the water have another option in sight: submerged open ocean longline mussel farming. Researchers at UNH, working with fishermen from the Portsmouth Fishermen’s Co-op, have labored
Window shopping
A couple of weeks ago the Old Man decided he wanted to go window shopping for another boat. It would be nice to have a little more comfort aboard than he has on the old girl he’s got now. Nova Scotia – a beautiful window into Canada – ought to be a good place to
No real estate!
To the editor: Re: advertising by real estate agencies. For years [Working Waterfront] has resisted taking real estate advertisements unless directly related to the fishing industry. Though [I am] in the business, please resist the temptation, even island-related… Downeast and sailing magazines have elegant real estate ads while the quality of written articles has gone
Whose “working waterfront” is it?
This is the first in a series of articles on working waterfronts. Future stories will address private solutions, public solutions, and state and local planning. Whose “working waterfront” is it? The answers, from fishermen, marina managers, tugboat captains, oil companies, ferry terminal employees, sea kayak guides and most others is “it’s ours!” Everyone requiring access
Dickie’s 15 minutes Fame is fleeting, but there are rewards
The man I’m talking to, Dickie Hildings of Vinalhaven, has a powerful presence. He is all brawn. If you wondered about his age, the word “experienced” would suggest itself. He’s from a Vinalhaven family, has lived here all his life, fished here all his life, owns a tough and fast boat – the WHAT’S LEFT