Coastal Conversations | WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. This month: High School students on a fishing boat deploying spat collectors, or mesh bags, into the water column to collect baby scallops. Science teachers and their students hauling line onto a work boat to examine the growth rate on their kelp farm. Locals learning from a seasoned Maine guide to row a traditional dory, emulating how generations of Maine fishermen and sailors have moved around the harbor. The composition of mariners in Belfast Bay may have been changing in the last few decades, but their passion for these waters is no less real. Today, our show features four people who are involved in really cool work connected to our local seas, either as teachers, students, or guides. All four of our guests happen to be women, and each of them bring to their learning and their work a commitment to the protection of this place and its people. Today we hear from the owner of DoryWoman Rowing, as well as a high school student, and two science teachers, who all use the local waters as their classroom, their workspace and their happy place. Guest/s: Nicolle Littrell, founder of DoryWoman Rowing, Open Water Rower, Licensed Maine Guide, Filmmaker and Photographer. Lindsey Schortz, Science instructor and member of the team for the Belfast Marine Institute at Belfast Area High School (BAHS) and a teacher at BCOPE (Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education), an alternative high school program. Genna Black, Science teacher with the Marine Institute at Belfast Area High School Mia Fay, high school senior in the BCOPE program (Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education), Belfast Area High School's alternative high school program. Other credits: About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 2/24/23: On the Water in Belfast Harbor first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. This month: This episode features two distinct stories about Gouldsboro, Maine: STORY 1: Gouldsboro, a working waterfront community at a crossroads Today's show features the second episode of this year's From the Sea Up podcast series focused on Maine's working waterfront towns. We'll be headed to Gouldsboro, A historic fishing town with over 50 miles of coastline. 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. Although American Aquafarm's initial application for an aquaculture lease was terminated 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, From the Sea Up producers 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, as well as Jerry Potter, a longtime lobsterman, and Sebastian Belle from the Maine Aquaculture Association, this episode explores the identity and needs of one working waterfront community, and asks the question: What kind of working waterfront do people want to see here in the future? And what role does aquaculture play in that future? This story is brought to you by our radio storytelling friend Galen Koch, whose podcast series, From the Sea Up, has been featured on Coastal Conversations before. Galen brings the past and present together to help us make sense of Maine's complicated future. This is the second in a working waterfront series we will keep sharing over the next few months. STORY 2: Gouldsboro: a legacy of sardines You heard the narrator in our first story talk about American Aquafarms' purchase of the Maine Fair Trade lobster processing facility in the Gouldsboro village of Prospect Harbor. While American Aquafarms' intention is to someday convert the lobster processing operation into a salmon processing facility and hatchery, this plant was in the business of packing sardines for nearly 100 years. As the era of Maine's sardine industry was coming to an end in the later part of the 20th century, and sardine packing plants were closing one by one up and down the Maine coast, the Stinson's Sardine Cannery was the very last hold out. It's final owner, Bumble Bee Foods, shuttered the sardine operation for good in 2010, making it not only the last sardine cannery in Maine, but the very last sardine cannery in the whole of the United States. In 2011, the year after the sardine plant closed, oral historians from “Oral History and Folklife Research, Inc” sought to honor and document the Stinson Sardine Factory legacy by interviewing a number of former employees. In our second story today, we share some clips from two of these interviews with women who worked as sardine packers. Guest/s: STORY 1 Sarah Redmond, Springtide Seaweed Jerry Potter, lobsterman Sebastian Belle, Maine Aquaculture Association STORY 2 We'll hear a short clip from the interview with Arlene Hartford, followed by a slightly longer clip from the interview with Lela Anderson. Both women were interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2011 and the full collection is available here Other credits: STORY 1 From the Sea Up is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands through a partnership between Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Maine Sea Grant, and the First Coast. Click here to hear past episodes and for more information STORY 2 Thanks to the folks at “Oral History and Folklife Research, Inc” for permission to air these clips. You can access their full collections here. And thanks also to production assistant Camden Hunt, for helping edit the audio clips for this segment of today's show. If you want to hear more about sardines, check out the Coastal Conversations for our August 28, 2020 episode called “Stories of the Sardine Industry” which features these clips and many more About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 1/27/23: Gouldsboro, Maine first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. This month: In honor of the holiday season, our show features “Maine holiday seafood celebrations, past and present.” We are excited to talk with three women from coastal Maine who write about food and history, about Maine and nature, about travel and much more. Our guests will share ideas for seafood recipes to treat your family and friends over the holidays. They will help us explore how the perceptions of seafood in Maine have changed over the decades and centuries, from the Wabanaki to the New England Colonists, from the mid- 1900's to the present. From their perspectives as cook and authors, our guests will explore modern day issues such as wild fisheries and aquaculture. And most of all, they will get you excited to experiment with seafood in the kitchen this holiday season. -Seafood recipes and cooking tips -New Englander's changing thoughts about and appreciation for seafood -Three cooks perspectives on fisheries and aquaculture in Maine Guest/s: Sandy Oliver, food historian, food writer and columnist, from Islesboro in Penobscot Bay Marnie Reed Crowell: conservationist, natural history writer, poet and scallop cookbook author from Sunset on Deer Isle Nancy Harmon Jenkins: writer, historian, cook, traveler, and storyteller from Camden About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 12/23/22: Maine Holiday Seafood Celebrations, Past and Present first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. This month: The town of Eastport, Maine, has weathered many changes in the last decades, transitioning from empty sardine factories to a vibrant multi-use working waterfront positioned to respond and adapt to an uncertain future. This month we feature two stories from Maine's easternmost town: “Eastport: Reinventing a Waterfront,” a recent episode on the From the Sea Up podcast, and “The Drama of Eastport Tides,” an older (2017) but timeless episode from the Salts and Water podcast. Our first is called “Eastport: Reinventing a Waterfront.” 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. Once the most prominent sardine canning village 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. This story is brought to you by our radio storytelling friend Galen Koch, whose podcast series, From the Sea Up, has been featured on Coastal Conversations before. Galen brings the past and present together to help us make sense of Maine's complicated future. This is the first in a working waterfront series we will keep sharing over the next few months. People and organizations Featured in this story include: Tides Institute, Hugh French, Moose Island Marine, Dean Pike, Eastport Port Authority, and Chris Gardner. This story is part of the podcast series From the Sea Up A note from producer Galen Koch: Thank you for listening to From the Sea up. This episode was written and produced by me, Galen Koch and assistant producer Olivia Jolley for the Island Institute. Nicole Wolf takes the beautiful photographs that accompany this episode. From the Sea Up's Senior Editors are Isaac Kestenbaum and Josie Holtzman. Additional audio editing on this episode by Liz Joyce and Claudia Newall. Special thanks to Camden Hunt, Hugh French, Dean Pike, Chris Bartlett, and Chris Gardner for their help and participation. And thanks to the Salt Institute and Pamela Wood, Hugh French, and Lynn Kippax Jr, who together researched and wrote the 1983 journal publication, “Eastport: For Pride.” Most of the music in this episode is by Cue Shop. From the Sea Up is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands through a partnership between Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Maine Sea Grant, and the First Coast. Past episodes and more information are available here Our second story Is called “The Drama of Eastport Tides” The defining feature of the easternmost point of America is the dramatic tides of the Atlantic Ocean at the coast of Eastport, Maine. Learn why incredible natural feature exists and visit one of the largest confluences of whirlpools in the world. Hear from the Salts—people with deep connections to the sea, whose lives are shaped by this natural wonder. This story was pulled out of the Coastal Conversations archives, from 2017, when well-known New England audio storyteller Rob Rosenthal partnered up with an initiative called Experience Maritime Maine to produce the Salts and Water podcast. Eastport is one of six towns covered in this series. People and organizations featured in this story include: Butch Harris of Eastport Windjammers, harbor pilot Bob Peacock, photographer Lisa Tyson Ennis, some Eastport visitors, and of course, the tide. This story is part of the podcast series SALTS & WATER: Stories from the Maine Coast Experience Maritime Maine presents Salts & Water, a 6-part podcast series by award-winning producer Rob Rosenthal. These audio stories paint remarkable character portraits along the coast of Maine, through Eastport, Stonington, Searsport, Rockland, Bath, and Portland. Meet the “women lobstermen” of Stonington, island-hop aboard a Windjammer in Penobscot Bay, and discover the salty fishmonger whose work on Portland's piers is integral to Maine's culture of seafood. Get to know meticulous boat builders, and learn how the dramatic tides shape life in Downeast Maine. Enjoy this podcast series. Salts and Water is a project of Experience Maritime Maine, funded in part by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Hamilton Marine, Maine's MidCoast & Islands, and sponsored by Maine Boats, Homes, and Harbors. To hear the other stories in the series, visit Salts and Water Podcast Series About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 10/28/22: Eastport- Maine's Easternmost Town first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. This month: Maine's coastline has inspired writers and artists for generations. On today's Coastal Conversations we are thrilled to feature three contemporary Maine writers who each have a special connection with the coast of Maine and coastlines around the world. We'll hear their stories about the role of writing and art in their lives and what inspires their work today. Each author will share some of their recent work, including some poetry, haiku and prose. Our featured writers today include Linda Buckmaster, writer, teacher, and self-described wanderer from Belfast, Maine; Valerie Lawson, poet, publisher and teacher from Robbinston, Maine; and Kristen Lindquist, writer, poet, and naturalist from Camden, Maine. Guest/s: Linda Buckmaster. Writer, teacher, wanderer. Belfast, Maine. Linda's most recent book, Elemental: A Miscellany of Salt Cod and Islands, is available at bookstores from Blue Hill to Portland or from the author. Her work will be featured at the 17th annual Belfast Poetry Festival, October 15th 2022. Valerie Lawson. Poet, publisher and teacher. Robbinston, Maine. Valerie's poems about conserved lands at Reversing Falls in Pembroke were recently featured in the Writing the Land: Maine project. Her work will be featured at Poetry Express at University of Maine at Fort Kent on September 21, 22, 2022. Contact UMFK for more information. UMFK's Acadian Archives to host Poetry Express Sept. 21-22 in Fiddlehead Focus/St. John Valley Times Kristen Lindquist. Writer, poet, naturalist. Camden, Maine. Kristen's recent award-winning haiku e-chapbook It Always Comes Back Kristen's Daily Haiku Blog About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 9/23/22: Three Contemporary Maine Writers Inspired by the Coast first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. In mid-July 2022, nearly 200 people gathered in Boston for the sixth National Working Waterfront Network conference. Working waterfronts are where people who make their living on the sea can access the water. They include ports, harbors, piers, wharves, launch ramps, mudflats, boat yards and more. The National Working Waterfront Network meets every 2-3 years to swap stories and strategies for strengthening and protecting waterfront infrastructure and working access to the coast. At the 2022 conference, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine's 1st Congressional District, long a working waterfront champion in partnership with Maine's full delegation, gave a closing address during which she highlighted the importance of keeping the spotlight on these complex and critical spaces for our national economy and local, coastal culture. Voices throughout the event echoed the Congresswoman's message, and on today's Coastal Conversations show, we bring you some of those voices. Today, we feature portions of Representative Pingree's address, along with stories and perspectives from people connected to working waterfronts in Maine, Louisiana, Oregon and California. All voices shared in today's show were recorded at the National Working Waterfront Network Conference 2022. Guest/s: Afton Vigue, Maine Aquaculture Association Dominique Seibert, Louisiana Sea Grant Jamie Doyle, Oregon Sea Grant Michael Nelson, Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, California About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 8/26/22: National Working Waterfront Network conference first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. Today our show is about the Mount Desert Island-based project called a Landscape of Change. Landscape of Change is a collaborative project with the goal of compiling and publishing historical records of natural history observations on Mount Desert Island, dating back to the late 1800s, and comparing these with contemporary data to document change over time. While the project focuses on the science of environmental change, it also explores how every-day people can collect meaningful scientific data, and how people might choose to respond to ecological change, as individuals, as artists, as natural resource managers, as activists or even as a society as a whole. 1. What are the historical records that provide the baseline from which your are able to document ecological change on Mount Desert Island? 2. What are the modern methods of data collection that citizens are involved in collecting? 3. What are the changes you have found in MDI's natural environment in the past 100+ years 4. How can citizens and visitors become involved and learn more? Guests: Raney Bench, Executive Director of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society Johanna Blackman, Executive Director of A Climate to Thrive Jennifer Steen Booher, Artist-in-residence with MDI Historical Society. Seth Benz, Director of Bird Ecology at Schoodic Institute at Acadia Nation Park Catherine Schmitt, science writer with Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park Kyle Lima, Data Analyst, also with the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 7/22/22: Landscape of Change first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. This episode: Most fishermen will tell you that the presence of Atlantic menhaden on the coast of Maine is cyclical. In the last few years, menhaden, or pogies as the small schooling fish are known locally, have returned in high enough numbers to trigger a commercial fishery that holds promise for many fishermen. Their presence is fortuitous. Pogies have filled a lobster bait void left behind by declining Atlantic herring stocks. Many lobstermen, scrambling for bait to feed their lobster traps, have settled on pogies. There are many others in the Gulf of Maine who are happy to see the pogies return in great numbers – chief among them: the predators like tuna, striped bass, bald eagles and even humpback whales. On our show today, we explore the world of pogies, the fishermen who harvest them and the species like tuna who eat them. We talk with two fishermen who describe how the fish are caught and why the fishery is increasingly important to Maine fishermen. And we’ll hear from a scientist about how his research on Atlantic Blue-fin tuna also reveals the increasing presence of pogies in Maine waters. -Return of Pogies (AKA Menhaden) to Maine -Fishermen's stories about rigging up to purse seining for pogies. -Pogies as lobster bait -Pogies role in the Gulf of Maine food web Guests: Devyn Campbell, Boothbay Harbor fisherman (fishes for groundfish and in recent years pogies) Dave Horner, Southwest Harbor fisherman (has fished for lobster, scallop, shrimp, groundfish and in recent years pogies) Walt Golet, Assistant Professor at the University of Maine’s School of Marine Sciences and lead of the Pelagic Fisheries lab at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 6/24/22: Pogies (Atlantic menhaden) first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Coastal Conversations: Conversations with people who live, work, and play on the Maine coast, hosted by the University of Maine Sea Grant Program. This episode: Many people in Maine have heard of Atlantic Salmon and Alewives, but do you know about Rainbow Smelt? These migratory sea-run fish may be swimming up your backyard streams right now! And historically, these fish have all featured in the lives of Maine residents for sustenance, income, and recreation. Smelt and tomcod populations are believed to have declined in recent decades. That's the bad news. The good news is that the restoration of salmon and alewife habitat benefits all members of the sea-run fish family. Our show today features a compendium of smelt stories plus a few about tomcod and other sea-run fish, from interviews conducted over the course of the last year in an effort to document the traditional ecological knowledge of people who harvest, interact with, and observe sea-run fish. So make a note to tune in Friday afternoon, May 27, 2022, from 4-5 OM, when this month's Coastal Conversation features stories and voices talking about seasons of change for Maine's sea-run fish. Only on WERU community radio, 89.9 FM in Blue Hill and online at WERU.org. Key Discussion Points: -The seasonality of migrating fish -Stories and memories from people who have fished and observed smelt, tom cod and other searun fish since the 1970's. -The ecology and biology of changing fisheries in Maine's rivers, streams and estuaries Guests: Chris Johnson, ecology manager with the Passamaquoddy Tribe Sipayak Environmental Department Danielle Frechette, a marine resource scientist with Maine Department of Marine Resource's bureau of sea-run fisheries and habitat Sean Beauregard, a student at the University of Maine and Smelt interview project intern John Melquist Sr., smelt fisherman, South Thomaston Kurt Soneson, a retired Marine Patrol Officer Sharon Morrill, wildlife watcher from Damariscotta Mills Dick and Max Grimm, a father and son fishermen from Yarmouth Lawrence Moffet, retired commercial lobsterman and recreational tomcod fisherman Special appreciation for support in producing this show goes to: Sean Beauregard, University of Maine student and intern; Justin Stevens, Maine Sea Grant sea-run fish ecosystem project coordinator; and Danielle Frechette, marine resource scientist with Maine Department of Marine Resources bureau of sea-run fisheries and habitat. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 5/27/22: Rainbow Smelt first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Today, April 22, 2022, is Earth Day! And what better way to celebrate Earth Day than to explore the realm of one of the earth's most interesting group of species: Seaweed. Seaweed has seen a surge in interest in Maine in the last few years, with a growing number of people paying attention to seaweed – from consumers to nutrition experts, from harvesters to farmers, from restoration ecologists to beauticians. And Maine finds itself at the center of it all. This week, just in time for Earth Day, Maine is celebrating Maine Seaweed Week – multiple days full of activities and opportunities to taste and learn about this incredible seafood. Maine Seaweed Week was founded four years ago by one of our interviewees on today's show, Josh Rogers of Heritage Seaweed and Cup of Sea teas. Our second interviewee, Jaclyn Robidoux of Maine Sea Grant, has also been very involved with organizing this week's special seaweed events. We turn to both of them to learn about the various seaweeds found on the Maine coast, how it can be used, and how you, our listeners, can join in on the seaweed celebrations happening up and down our shores through May 1st 2022. -Earth Day -Maine Seaweed Week 2022 -Maine seaweed species and products Jaclyn Robidoux, marine extension associate at Maine Sea Grant Josh Rogers, Founder of Heritage Seaweed, Cup of Sea teas, and Maine Seaweed Week Other credits: Thanks to Ellie White, our radio production assistant for this show, for all of her production help, her interviews with our guests and her vision for how we could celebrate Earth Day today by taking a deep dive into seaweed. Ellie is a senior at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor where she has been studying storytelling, audio production and human ecology. Thanks also to Galen Koch of The First Coast, who helps train our radio production assistants. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 4/22/22: Earth Day and Seaweed first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Maine coastal and ocean issues: Rare Steller's sea-eagle sparks attention and imagination Since late December 2021, a rare Steller's sea eagle has been repeatedly sighted by hundreds of people on the Maine coast. This raptor is significantly bigger than our own beloved Bald Eagle. Its home range is very far away in coastal Siberia, around the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula, down to Northern Japan and as far as the Korean Peninsula. There are reportedly only around 4000 Steller's sea-eagles on the planet, and they are listed as a vulnerable species on The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Starting back in August of 2020, birders noticed its presence in Alaska. A few months later in March of 2021, a raptor presumed to be this same eagle was sighted in Texas. And then in June multiple confirmed sightings were reported all the way east, in Québec's Gaspé Peninsula. November in the Canadian Maritimes, December was Massachusetts, and then, December 30, 2021, it landed in Maine and continued to be sighted in the Georgetown to Boothbay region until March 5th. Why has this Steller's Sea Eagle been wandering the northern hemisphere? What do we know about its ecology and conservation? And how has its presence captured the imagination of seasoned birders, coastal residents, and a growing cadre of community scientists? These are the topics for today's episode of Coastal Conversations. Guests: Doug Hitchcox, Staff Naturalist at Maine Audubon Jeff Wells, Vice President for Boreal Conservation at National Audubon Brent Pease, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of wildlife conservation and management at Southern Illinois University About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 3/25/22: Rare Steller's sea-eagle sparks attention and imagination first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Working waterfronts are those spaces along the shoreline that connect land and sea; places that provide critical access for people who make their living on the water. Pressure on working waterfronts is on the rise again here in Maine, due to a bunch of reasons, not the least of which is the increasing real estate market triggered by the global pandemic. We explore the threats to Maine's working waterfronts, who is most affected, and what might be done about those threats. We explore statewide policy questions and how this issue is playing out on the ground, specifically in the case of one town grappling with change, Bar Harbor. Guests: Val Peacock, Bar Harbor resident, Town Councilor and Harbor Committee member Nick Battista, Senior Policy Officer, Island Institute Merritt T. Carey, Esq, author of The Critical Nature of Maine's Working Waterfronts and Access to the Shore About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 2/25/22: Maine Working Waterfronts 2022 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Happy New Year from our team at Coastal Conversations where we are launching season 8 of our show! For our first show of 2022, we are once again teaming up with The First Coast and the Island Institute to feature the final episode in our series about innovative people in Maine who are sustainably harvesting and growing products from the sea. First up, we're talking about Maine's groundfish fishery, past and present, and the potential that exists, for both fishermen and consumers, to support a diverse local marketplace and help support our fisheries. Then, to wrap up our series, we learn about the mysterious, internationally regulated, strong, and powerful Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, a fishery that leaves a lot of consumers puzzled. Listen up as we untangle these fishing stories and meet some of Maine's leaders in the seafood marketplace, on the waterfront and at sea. These stories were produced by Galen Koch of The First Coast as part of an Island Institute podcast called “From the Sea Up.” The podcast is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Luke's Lobster, Maine Sea Grant and the First Coast. We are grateful to all of them for sharing their stories with Coastal Conversations on WERU Guests Thanks for listening to From the Sea Up, presented by the Island Institute and produced by me, Galen Koch. Special thanks to True Fin, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, and the Island Institute. Special thanks to Brian Pearce and his crew, the Portland Fish Exchange, Ben Martens and Mary Hudson, Kyle Foley, Dr. Walt Golet, Dr. Lisa Kerr, and Elijah Miller, Jen Levin, Pete Speeches and Michael Flynn.” From the Sea Up is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Luke's Lobster, Maine Sea Grant, and The First Coast. For more information visit www.islandinstitute.org/podcast About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 1/28/22: From the Sea Up (episode 2): Groundfish and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel It's the holidays season here in Maine, where we like to celebrate with stories about sustainable seafood! On this week's coastal conversations, we are once again teaming up with The First Coast and the Island Institute to feature stories about innovative people in Maine who are sustainably harvesting and growing products from the sea. First up, we are talking about sea vegetables, specifically that fast-growing, nutrient-dense sea vegetable kelp, and the people behind getting this powerhouse to the market while offering economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. Second up, we dive headfirst into the world of the mysterious and mythical American eel, a species that drives our legendary elver fishery and, more recently, an aquaculture start-up for a Maine grown fish. These stories were produced by Galen Koch of The First Coast as part of an Island Institute podcast called “From the Sea Up.” The podcast is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Luke's Lobster, Maine Sea Grant and the First Coast. We are grateful to all of them for sharing their stories with Coastal Conversations on WERU Community Radio at 89.9 FM in Blue Hill and streaming online at WERU.org. Guests: “Thanks for listening to From the Sea Up, presented by the Island Institute and produced by me, Galen Koch. Special thanks to Bri Warner, Thew Suskiewicz, Jesse Baines, Justin Papkee and his crew, Sara Rademake, Glen Melvin, and Pat Bryant for their participation on these episodes.” From the Sea Up is made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Luke's Lobster, Maine Sea Grant, and The First Coast. For more information visit www.islandinstitute.org/podcast For more information about Luke's Lobster and the online market where you can purchase Atlantic Sea Farms products visit www.lukeslobster.com. For more information about American Unagi and their online market, visit www.americanunagi.com. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 12/24/21: From the Sea Up, Episode 2: Kelp and American Eel first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Maine coastal and ocean issues: From the Sea Up #1 With the holiday season upon us, it is time to talk seafood. Fresh, sustainable, Maine seafood that is! For the next three episodes of Coastal Conversations, we are featuring a series of stories produced by The First Coast and the Island Institute. The series, called From the Sea Up, introduces the people and species that make Maine seafood so incredible, both for our taste buds and for our coastal economy. It's perfect listening to inspire your holiday feasts! First up today, we hear how Luke's Lobster and the Island Institute formed a creative partnership to build resilience in the seafood supply chain in the wake of the pandemic's early shut down of traditional seafood markets. Our second story today explores the freshness and flavor of Maine dayboat scallops that have been caught, sold, and eaten or frozen in less than 24 hours. These are inspiring stories about people in the Gulf of Maine who are finding ways to ensure the future of our oceans while diversifying our seafood economy. Both of our stories today on Coastal Conversations were produced by Galen Koch of The First Coast as part of an Island Institute podcast called “From the Sea Up.” And we are thrilled to announce that we'll be featuring more of these great stories in upcoming episodes of Coastal Conversations. I mentioned at the top of the hour that a lot of folks were involved in producing these stories and we wanted to make sure to thank them here. Ok, here goes. First, From the Sea Up is presented by the Island Institute and produced by Galen Koch of The First Coast. The stories are made possible by the Fund for Maine Islands and a partnership between the Island Institute, College of the Atlantic, Luke's Lobster, Maine Sea Grant, and The First Coast. For our first story today, thanks go to Rob Snyder, Luke Holden, Ben Conniff, Merritt Carey, and Sam Belknap. For the second story, thanks go to Togue Brawn, Dan Miller, Tad Miller, Merritt Carey, Raymie Upham, and Silas Miller. If you are interested in learning more about how to purchase local sustainable seafood for the holidays, you can check out the online markets LukesLobster.com and at DowneastDayboat.com that were talked about in today's stories. And finally, extra gratitude goes to Galen Koch, the producer of these stories, for helping us get them on the air on Coastal Conversations, here at WERU community radio. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 11/26/21: From the Sea Up #1 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Maine coastal and ocean issues: Ocean Acidification, how can states and local communities respond? -What is Ocean Acidification? Much like carbon dioxide wreaks havoc on the atmosphere, C02 in the ocean triggers a series a chemical processes that lower the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This can cause problems for shellfish, a concern in a state like Maine where shellfish harvesting is an important part of our coastal economy. -What can states and communities do about it? We'll explore the last decade of how states and communities have been responding to ocean acidification, including Maine, with lessons learned for the East and West coasts. -On today's show, you'll learn how new modeling and forecasting tools will help fishing communities and water quality management adapt to changing conditions. You can hear about a region-wide, simultaneous monitoring event to expand Ocean Acidification research through community-science organizations and private-public partnerships. Guests: Jessie Turner: Secretariat of the Ocean Acidification Alliance, guest editor of special Ocean Acidification issue of Coastal Management Journal Aaron Strong: Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Hamilton College and formerly professor at the University of Maine Parker Gassett: Marine Extension Associate with Maine Sea Grant, coordinating efforts on climate resilience at the community level. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 10/22/21: Ocean Acidification- How Can States and Local Communities Respond? first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Maine coastal and ocean issues: Life and Science on Mount Desert Rock Today, we venture out to the most remote of all of Maine's islands, Mount Desert Rock, an exposed ledge, barely 3 acres in size, that emerges from a remarkably productive patch of ocean about 22 nautical miles south of Mount Desert Island. Since the early 19th century the island has had a light tower to assist mariners, and various buildings to house light-keeper families. In the mid-20th century, the island was occupied by the United States Coast Guard. And since the 1990's, after the Coast Guard automated the light station, Mount Desert Rock has been the home of the Edward McC. Blair Marine Research Station, operated by College of the Atlantic out of Bar Harbor. On our show today, we'll start our exploration with a history of Mount Desert Rock with Olivia Jolley, one of this summer's station managers and a recently graduated senior at College of the Atlantic whose final project was to develop a comprehensive timeline of the island through interviews and archival research. We'll then hear about life on the Rock and the rhythms of the daily research tasks, like tower watches, where all wildlife and vessels spotted from the lighthouse are documented, in an ever growing, decades old data set. We'll learn about the scientific, logistical and artistic work happening at Mount Desert Rock this summer, from interviews with a number of this summer's undergraduate residents. And then we'll wrap it up with a conversation among those residents about the ethical questions they are grappling with related to science and the impact of humans on Mount Desert Rock's wildlife, from sharks to seals, to gulls, the omnipresent gulls, and even down to the microscopic plankton species that drive this complex oceanic food web. Tune in August 27, 2021 to learn all about Life and Science on Mount Desert Rock. Only on WERU Community Radio, 89.9 FM and streaming online at WERU.org. The voices on today's show are all members of the 2021 College of the Atlantic Mount Desert Rock crew, all of whom, including station managers, are either current students or '21 graduates of COA, including: Olivia Jolley, station manager Nathan Dubrow, station manager Jasper White, station manager Ryan McGraw, buildings and grounds staff Tess Moore Kiernan Crough Baily Tausen Zach Aiken Annika Ross Izzy Grimm Em Comeaux Abby Jo Morris Thomas Gonye Levi Sheridan Thanks also to Galen Koch of The First Coast and her intern Camden Hunt for their help gathering audio and brainstorming story lines. Thanks to the behind the scenes Mount Desert Rock support crew from COA who helped us get out there, including Toby Stephenson, Ela Keegan, Dan Den Danto, and Sean Todd. And thanks especially to Olivia Jolley, whose passion for this strange rocky oceanic ledge inspired this episode of Coastal Conversations. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 8/27/21: Life and Science on Mount Desert Rock first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel The Maine Coast has captured the imagination of artists for generations. On today's Coastal Conversations we talk with two contemporary artists and an art writer about the relationship between art and the coast of Maine. Why is it that Maine inspires a deep sense of place in so many people? How and why do artists paint here? What are the threads that link Maine's well known historical artists with today's painters. What makes them different? And finally, how can art help Maine communities be more resilient to changes along the shorelines and in society? Our guests on todays's Coastal Conversations are Tom Curry, a landscape painter from Brooklyn, Maine, Judy Taylor, landscape and figure painter from West Tremont, and Carl Little, art writer, critic and poet from Somesville. Carl Little's art writing featured in Maine Boats Homes and Harbor Join me as they share insights about their work and what inspires them to keep coming back to the Maine coast for artistic inspiration. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 7/23/21: Art of the Maine Coast first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Maine coastal and ocean issues: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: Ecological Connections and Research Methods Today's coastal conversations is in honor of the annual spring running, that time of year when several species of fish, such as alewives and blue-back herring, return from the ocean to Maine's streams and ponds to spawn. Our show is about marine and freshwater ecosystems, and specifically the ecological connections that occur where salt and freshwater meet, where fish, marine mammals, birds and even water itself, moves along freshwater and into the ocean. We'll learn about several research projects underway in these systems, and new research methods, like environmental DNA, as well as existing research methods, such as hook and line fishing, to understand the species that inhabit these zones. We'll also talk about local and traditional ecological knowledge that gets handed down through generations and helps provide critical information on how to protect estuaries and fish. Our guests will help us understand why we should care about the research programs that occur at the intersection of marine and freshwater estuaries. Our geographic scope will span the Downeast region, from the Penobscot River system all the way down to Passamaquoddy Bay on the Canadian border. Guests: Justin Stevens, leader of the sea run fish ecosystem project, a partnership between Maine Sea Grant and NOAA Fisheries. Chris Bartlett, marine extension associate with Maine Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension, based in Eastport Maine where he works on multiple research and restoration projects at the intersection of fresh and salt water. Julia Sunnarborg, UMaine PhD student in Marine Biology who works with the Maine eDNA program to assess shifts in coastal community structure and biodiversity. Michelle de Leon: UMaine master's student in Ecology & Environmental Sciences focused on social-ecological resilience and partnership building in eastern Maine where fisheries have cultural and commercial significance. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 6/25/21: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: Ecological Connections and Research Methods first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel The Maine Fisherman's Forum is an annual event that brings together thousands of people who are connected to Maine's fishing industry. Like so many events, the 2021 Fisherman's Forum was cancelled due to COVID, but the stories and voices from the fishing industry persist! For this month's episode of Coastal Conversations, our stellar team of student production assistants from College of the Atlantic sifted through the archives of 60+ interviews collected at past Maine Fishermen's Forum. They found some gems, including the voices of fishermen, legislators, and scientists, reflecting on ecosystem-based fisheries management, ecological knowledge gleaned from years at sea, and life in fishing communities. Today's show was assembled by our student production assistants who explain they wanted this show “to explore the lives of people deeply connected to the water, and weave together an image of Maine's marine ecosystem including the ocean, the fish, and the humans that inhabit it. We want to share the tremendous amount of knowledge and experience fishermen have about the ecosystems they work within.” Thanks to Camden Hunt, Ela Keegan and Ellie White of College of the Atlantic for your excellent radio production assistance, and Galen Koch of The First Coast for your tireless guidance. Note: A few of the voices featured on today's episode may sound familiar to our listeners but the show in its entirety is new. Voices of the Maine Fishermen's Forum interviews were collected at the 2018 and 2019 Maine Fishermen's Forum in Rockland Maine by volunteers, staff and students from The First Coast, Maine Sea Grant, College of the Atlantic and Island Institute. All the interviews on today's show are part of the Voices of the Maine Fishermen's Forum Collection which can be found on The First Coast website and at NOAA Fisheries Voices Oral History Archives. Today's featured voices include the following (please note that affiliations may have changed since the time of interview): Paul Anderson, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, Stonington Herbert (Herb) Carter Jr., commercial shellfish harvester, Deer Isle Philip Conkling, co-founder and former president, Island Institute Parker Gassett, University of Maine graduate student Dan Harriman, fisherman who operates Maine's last mackerel weir in Cape Elizabeth Pat Shepard, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, Stonington Angus King, United States Senator from Brunswick Edwin McKie, lobsterman, Prince Edward Island, Canada Dave Cousens, lobsterman, South Thomaston Avery Waterman, lobsterman, North Haven Marcia Beal Brazier, fisherman's wife, Ogunquit About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 5/28/21: Voices of the Maine Fishermen's Forum, Perspectives from the Archives first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel In 2020, the soft-shell clam fishery was the second highest value commercial fishery in Maine, netting over $15 million in revenue, yet there is not broad awareness about what it takes to dig clams and bring them to the market. During this event we will learn from harvesters, shellfish buyers, retailers, and others in the supply chain about shellfish markets, challenges in the fishery, and opportunities for expanding markets for soft-shell clams, quahogs (hard clams), razor clams, and other shellfish in Maine, New England, and beyond. We explore factors affecting market price, market shifts resulting from COVID-related restaurant restrictions, and new potential opportunities to export products to the European Union. Guests: Jessica Joyce from Tidal Bay Consulting and Maine Shellfish Advisory Council Joseph Porada, commercial harvester and Chair of the Frenchman's Bay Regional Shellfish Committee Mike Danforth, operations manager, Maine Shellfish, Shellfish Advisory Council, and Department of Marine Resources Advisory Council Tim Sheehan, owner, Gulf of Maine, Inc. and commercial harvester Quang Nguyen, owner, Fishermen's Net Boe Marsh, operator, Community Shellfish Company Babara Scully – owner, Scully's Sea Products and commercial harvester Kohl Kanwit – Director of the Bureau of Public Health, Maine Department of Marine Resources and Chair, Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 4/23/21: From the mud to your plate: shellfish markets and the seafood supply chain first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Mainer Fishermen’s Forum Shellfish Day #2: What’s Changing on the Mudflats Harvester insights about the status of shellfish in their community; New shellfish survey techniques that use local ecological knowledge and mapping; Development of a standard protocol for an ecosystem survey in the intertidal that incorporates predators; The feasibility of using environmental DNA (e-DNA) technology to collect information. Guests: Bailey Bowden, Harvester and Chair of the Penobscot Shellfish Conservation Committee Nate Orff, Harvester and Chair of the Scarborough Shellfish Conservation Commission Joanie Mcdonald, Harvester and Shellfish Advisory Council member, George's River Kevin Oliver, Harvester and member of the Yarmouth Shellfish Conservation Commission Denis Nault, Maine Department of Marine Resources Marissa McMahan, Manomet Sara Randall, Downeast Institute Sarah Risley, University of Maine Darling Marine Center Anne Hayden, Manoment About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 3/26/21: Mainer Fishermen's Forum Shellfish Day 2: What's Changing on the Mudflats first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

-We talk with harvesters, wardens, marine resource committee members, and residents in Gouldsboro, Harpswell, and Brunswick, about their work restoring shellfish populations and intertidal mudflats to protect the future of shellfish harvesting as a livelihood. -Methods to grow shellfish (including upwellers and floating nurseries deployed in the water, and a new learning lab dedicated to growing shellfish) and long term plans for reseeding mudflats. -How communities are working together for the shared goal of mudflat repatriation in the face of climate change, predation from green crabs and ribbon worms, ocean acidification and water quality issues. Part one of a three-part Coastal Conversations series featuring portions of webinars hosted by the Maine Fishermen's Forum in lieu of their annual in person event. Guests : David Wilson, Chair, Marine Resources Committee, Harpswell; Scott Moody Jr., Vice Chair, Marine Resources Committee, Harpswell; Dan Devereaux, Coastal Resource Manager, Brunswick; Mike Pinkham, Shellfish Warden, Gouldsboro; Sarah Hooper, Education Specialist, Schoodic Institute; Bill Zoellick, Education Research Director Emeritus, Schoodic Institute. Dr. Bridie McGreavy, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Communication and Journalism and the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at the University of Maine About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 2/26/21 Maine Fishermen's Forum, Part 1: Shellfish Harvesting for the Future first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Production assistance from Ela Keegan Seaweed has always been an important species in Maine's coastal ecosystems. Maine gardeners have for generations used seaweed to enhance their soil. But in the last decade or so, seaweed is finding a new role in our coastal communities. Both wild harvested and farmed seaweed are becoming important resources for people working along Maine's waterfronts. In today's episode of Coastal Conversations, we share the voices of seaweed harvesters, scientists and others whose work revolves around seaweed. Guest co-producer Ela Keegan, a student at College of the Atlantic, has scoured interviews with seaweed people and conducted a few of her own. She weaves these voices into a narrative that recounts past uses of seaweed, present opportunities for youth to get into the industry, and the impact of a 2018 court case on the right to harvest rockweed (perhaps the seaweed species best known by our listeners). Guests and interview sources: David Myslabodski, Seaweed Consultant, interviewed by Galen Koch at the Maine Fishermen's Forum, 2018. Interview archived with The First Coast. Micah Woodcock, Wild Seaweed Harvester, Atlantic Holdfast Seaweed Company. Interviewed by Galen Koch at the Maine Fishermen's Forum, 2018. Interview archived with The First Coast. Jessie Muhlin, Professor and Marine Biologist, Maine Maritime Academy. Interviewed by Ela Keegan, 2020. In addition, portions of Muhlin's comments were captured in an earlier interview conducted by Springuel, some of that interview previously aired on the February 2018 episode of Coastal Conversations. Ari Leach, Area Biologist, Department of Marine Resources. Interviewed by Ela Keegan, 2020. Greg Tobey, General Manager, Source INC. Interviewed by Natalie Springuel in 2019. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 1/22/21: The History and Future of Maine's Seaweed Industry first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel For our December 25, 2020 show, we are talking about Maine seafood for the holidays! Our regular Coastal Conversations host Natalie Springuel teamed up with Sea Grant colleagues Dana Morse and Heather Sadusky, to celebrate Maine seafood traditions and feature seafood recipes you might like to try this holiday season! Our guests include oyster, mussel and salmon growers, lobster fishermen, fisheries advocates, and our very own Sea Grant graphic designer (who happens to be a darn good cook). You will hear about salmon, lobster, scallops, oysters and lots of other fresh Maine seafood. And you will get a lovely dose of family on this show; something about Maine, seafood and the holidays combined inspire connection. We hope this show will unleash your own culinary creativity in the kitchen this holiday season! Guests: Dana Morse, Maine Sea Grant Heather Sadusky, Maine Sea Grant Kathy Tenga-González, Science Publications Designer, Maine Sea Grant Wade and Claire Day, Machiasport (Wade is the Machiasport Harbormaster and a former lobsterman) Jeff (Smokey) McKeen, Co-founder, Pemaquid Oyster Company Afton Hupper, Maine Aquaculture Association Marnie Reed Crowell, Deer Isle, author: Recipe ideas for farmed scallops Andrew Lively, Cooke Aquaculture Inc. John Cotton, Co-owner, Icehouse oysters Monique Coombs, Maine Coast Fishermen's Association Fiona De Koning, Acadia Aquafarm Butterfield family (Sue, Karen, Karla and Danielle), Butterfield Shellfish Co. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 12/25/20: Holiday seafood recipes and traditions first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Introducing a new major lobster research program, the American Lobster Initiative, that seeks to answer important questions about lobster biology and ecology. How do changes occurring in the marine environment, such as the warming Gulf of Maine, affect lobster reproduction and population? How do environmental changes affect larval transport, predation, and settlement? The importance of the lobster industry to our coastal economy is well known. How does this type of research help us plan for the future? Guests: Alex Ascher, a PhD student in Marine Biology at the University of Maine Andrew Goode, a PhD candidate in Oceanography at the University of Maine Ben Gutzler, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve Amalia Harrington, a Marine Extension Associate with Maine Sea Grant, and Regional Lobster Extension Coordinator About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 11/27/20: Lobster Research in a Changing Environment first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Tell us about your work related to Maine’s geological, cultural, and natural-resource based heritage. How are people in Maine’s coastal communities documenting, celebrating and protecting Maine’s heritage? Two initiatives are under way to give the Downeast region special designations as a) a Natural Heritage Area and b) a Coastal Geopark. What are these initiatives all about, how can they contribute to community and economic development and how can people get involved? What is the value of digging deep into the story of Maine’s people and places? How do these stories differ from the narratives often shared in the tourism brochures? Guests: Crystal Hitchings, Sunrise County Economic Council Program Director, Community Infrastructure and Promotion and DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism Sahra Gibson, steering committee for Coastal Maine Geopark Galen Koch, radio producer and writer with The First Coast, and co-founder of Maine Sound and Story. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 10/23/20: Downeast Heritage first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel What was commercial fishing, and especially the salt cod fishery, like in the nineteenth century? What is the field of historical marine ecology and what can it tell us about Maine's fisheries past, both socially and ecologically? What have you learned from the nineteenth century vessel log books, which captains filled out in order to claim their saltcod bounty payment? What was happening specifically in the Frenchman Bay region's historical fishery from this treasure trove of vessel log books and other data sources? How does understanding past fisheries help us manage for present fisheries? Guests: Karen Alexander and Bill Leavenworth, historical marine ecologists About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 9/25/20: Maine's 19th Century Fisheries, a historical look in honor of the Bicentennial first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Sardine canneries created jobs for generations of Mainers living near the coast for more than one hundred years, and cultivated values centered on hard, honest work and community. Sardines gave many Mainers an income during the Great Depression, presented opportunities for women to enter the workforce, and ingrained life-long bonds and stories in Maine communities that are still visible today. On this edition of Coastal Conversations, we feature nine interviews centered around Maine's historic sardine industry. These interviews span the entire process of creating a can of sardines, from late night weir-tending, to cutting off fish heads with scissors, to “cartoning” and shipping out truckloads of cans. The interview clips we featured today explore the history of the industry, from its humble beginnings to its eventual death, when Stinson Seafood, the last sardine cannery in Maine, closed down in 2010. In this show, we explore the lives of people deeply connected to the small silvery fish, and their impact on Maine and its communities. Special thanks first and foremost to Camden Hunt for his near-total leadership on production for this show! We also appreciate the help of Ela Keegan, Hannah Robbins, Galen Koch, and Molly Graham, for production support. The following people are featured on this show: Arlene and Pete Hartford, age 73 and 76, from Gouldsboro, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2011 Susan Knight Calder, age 84, from Whiting, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2013 Willard and Peter Colson, age 88 and 56, from Southwest Harbor, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2011 Lela Anderson, age 80, from Corea, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2011 Diana Young, age 66, from Prospect Harbor, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2011 Myrtess Harrington, age 80, from Steuben, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2013 Clell Genthner, age 75, from Damariscotta, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2011 Al West, age 62, from Steuben, interviewed by Keith Ludden in 2012 Robert Dyer, age 82, from Chebeague Island, interviewed by Joshua Wrigley in 2013 Citation for the Oral History collection We are grateful to the archives that have helped protect this important facet of Maine history. Though the interviews clips we used on our episode of Coastal Conversations have been edited for clarity and length, the original nine interviews are archived at the NOAA Voices Oral History Archives. Robert Dyer's interview is part of the Maine Coast Oral History Initiative – the other eight are all from The Last Sardine Cannery Collection, also housed in Oral History and Folklife Research, Inc. Specific Links for each interview are as follows: Arlene and Pete Hartford Susan Knight Calder Willard and Peter Colson Lela Anderson Diana Young Myrtess Harrington Clell Genthner Al West Robert Dyer About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 8/28/20: The Stories of the Sardine Industry first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel -Differences in fisheries management in Maine vs PEI. -How and why these women got into fishing? -What and who inspired them and mentored them in their fishing careers? -What does being a woman bring to the job? -What do they love about fishing? -What do they recommend to other women who want to go fishing? Guests: Marlene Chapman, homeport Murray Harbor, Prince Edward Island, fishes for lobster off the coast of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, near Pictou Island Holly Masterson, homeport Southwest Harbor, Maine, fishes for lobster, scallops, groundfish, and when the fishery is open, shrimp too. Giulia Cardoso, homeport Bar Harbor, Maine, fishes for lobster, scallops and halibut. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 7/24/20: Women Fishermen from Maine and PEI first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel -Oral histories collection from the 1970’s called Life of the Maine Lobsterman, housed at University of Maine Fogler Library Special collections. -Three multi-hour interviews, condensed to 12-20 minute clips with the highlights. -Tribute to Andrew Gove, a lifelong lobsterman from Stonington who passed away the weekend of June 20, 2020. Featuring: Edwin Lawson, age 74, of West Tremont, Maine, interviewed by Rita Swidrowski in 1972. Andy Gove, age 44, of Stonington, Maine, interviewed by David Littleton-Taylor in 1974. Tim Staples, age unknown (perhaps in his early 20's), of Swan's Island, Maine, interviewed by David Littleton-Taylor in 1974. The three interviews featured in this show are archived at the Raymond P. Fogler Library Special Collections, University of Maine, Orono, Maine. They are part of the Northeast Archive of Folklore and Oral History which was started by and, until recently, housed at the Maine Folklife Center. Special accession numbers are as follows: Life of the Maine Lobsterman collection MF037 Edwin Lawson NA0726 Andy Gove NA0970 Tim Staples NA 0897 About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 6/26/20: The 1970's Life of Maine Lobstermen first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Did you know that Downeast Maine is home to some of the very best fish habitat along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States! This month’s episode of Coastal Conversation is Salters and Salmon, a conversation about Sea-run Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon! We talk fisheries biology, conservation history and fishing stories with Rob Packie, President of the Downeast Trout Unlimited, Jeff Reardon, Trout Unlimited's Maine Brook Trout project director, Dwane Shaw, executive director of Downeast Salmon Federation, and Joe Robbins, a founding board member of Downeast Salmon Federation who started fishing for salmon in 1959. About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 5/22/20: Salters and Salmon first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel As global and national seafood markets shut down, the demand for local Maine seafood by residents is on the rise. How does the seafood supply chain work and how do disruptions affect it. What support is available for fishermen and aquaculture farmers to help their businesses survive during the pandemic. How can local consumers access local seafood? Guests: Joanna Fogg, the owner of Bar Harbor Oyster Company Sebastian Belle and Afton Hupper, both from the Maine Aquaculture Association Marianne LaCroix, from the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, and Ben Martens, from the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association About the host: Natalie Springuel has hosted Coastal Conversation's since 2015, with support from the University of Maine Sea Grant where she has served as a marine extension associate for 20 years. In 2019, Springuel received an award for Public Affairs programming from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for the Coastal Conversations show called “Portland's Working Waterfront.” Springuel is passionate about translating science, sharing stories, and offering a platform for multiple voices to weigh in on complex coastal and ocean issues. She has recently enrolled in audio production training at Maine Media Workshop to dive deeper into making great community radio. The post Coastal Conversations 4/24/20: Impact of COVID-19 on Maine's Fishermen and Aquaculture Farmers first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Guest Producer/Host: Catherine Schmitt Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Key Discussion Points: a) bringing young people into nature for studies that have implications for their families and communities makes science relevant and real. b) schools provide research capacity in rural communities c) outdoor classrooms have lifelong impacts. Guests: Bill Zoellick, Schoodic Institute Education Director Emeritus Sarah Hooper, Schoodic Institute Education Specialist Mike Pinkham, Gouldsboro Shellfish Warden The post Coastal Conversations 1/24/20: Community Science Education first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Ron Beard, substitute for Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Key Discussion Points: What is University of Maine Sea Grant, and its role with Alliance for Maine's Marine Economy? What is the purpose of the Alliance, how is it funded and how does it make strategic investments What is the current status of the marine economy and challenges— how the Alliance is helping the industry address those challenges, with examples of investments by the Alliance with Mook Sea Farms, Springtide Seaweed, Downeast Institute for Applied marine Research and Education, and Ready Seafood What some of the remaining challenges for the marine economy in Maine? What are hopes for the marine economy in Maine? Guests: Keri Kazor, Coordinator, Alliance for Maine's Marine Economy, UM Sea Grant Sarah Redmond, founder, Springtide Seaweed, Gouldsboro; organizer, Maine Seaweed Fair Bill Mook, founder, Mook Sea Farms, Walpole (Damariscotta River) Diane Tilton, Executive Director, Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education, Beals Curt Brown, Marine Biologist, Ready Seafood, Portland. The post Coastal Conversations 11/22/19: Advancing Maine's Marine Economy first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Ascophyllum Nodosum, more commonly known as rockweed, is that ubiquitous brown seaweed that coats much of the shoreline between high and low tide. Rockweed has been commercially harvested in Maine for decades and it is an important part of a healthy intertidal ecosystem. Recently, the Maine Supreme Judicial court ruled that rockweed, unlike clams and other species that grow along Maine's shore, is the property of the upland landowner. What is rockweed and what role does it play in a healthy intertidal ecosystem? What is the history of the rockweed harvesting in Maine and how is it harvested? What was the recent court ruling about? Guests: Hannah Mittelstaedt, graduate student, invertebrate ecology, University of Maine Greg Tobey, General Manager, Source Micronutrients Bonnie Tobey, Operations Manager, Source Micronutrients Jaclyn Robidoux, Marine Extension Associate, Maine Sea Grant George Seaver, VP of Ocean Organics The post Coastal Conversations 8/23/19: Rockweed Economy and Ecology first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Key Discussion Points: ·What are your books about? ·Between you, you have very different genres (fiction, science writing, guidebooks…), how did you come to this genre and how do you think your work is related to each other? ·How does Maine figure in your books? Why? ·What is your research process? ·What are the ethics of getting the facts right and representing your characters or your places truthfully? Guests: Barbara Lawrence first visited Mount Desert in 1948, and in 1979 became “a year-round summer person.” That perspective grounds her novels, which grew out of her dissertation about the influence of culture on aspirations on Mount Desert Island. She has written seven other books and many articles on a wide range of topics. Catherine Schmitt writes nonfiction, primarily about science, nature, and the environment, and works as a science communication specialist with Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. Hope Rowan. In addition to a writer of guide books and stories of the outdoors, Hope Rowan is a freelance cartogpher and works as a GIS Specialist at the Center for Community GIS. The post Coastal Conversations 7/26/19: Maine Authors of the Coast first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel ·Overview of the interdisciplinary approach to education at the K-12 North Haven Community School. ·What is a magnet school program and why is an island-based school seeking magnet students? ·Student voices talking about the experience of being a magnet student, how a washed up whale became a central focus throughout the school's curriculum this year, and how one senior is getting a start in scallop farming. Guests: Teachers from North Haven Community School Courney Naliboff, K-12 music, theatre, English and writing teacher Lisa White, high school science and Math teacher, Amy Peterson, high school humanities teacher. Students from North Haven Community School The post Coastal Conversations 6/28/19: North Haven Community School Magnet Program first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne 1) What are alewives, what is their ecology and cultural history? 2) How do alewives uses the Bagaduce region and have been their barriers to spawning here? 3) What is being done to help restore alewives in the regions, the important role of volunteers and how people can get involved. Guests: Bailey Bowden from the Town of Penobscot, fisheries activist and co-founder of the Bagaduce River Alewife Committee – a group of citizens from three river towns working to restore fish passage within their watershed. Mike Thalhauser, Fisheries Biologist at the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries in Stonington – facilitating and supporting the Bagaduce River Alewife Committee as part of their efforts to support co-managed fisheries at the right scale. Ciona Ulbrich, Senior Project Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust. In close partnership with Bailey, Mike and others, Ciona has served as point person in pulling together the funding, collaboration, engineering and construction of the set of fishway projects that together will restore passage throughout the Bagaduce River watershed. The post Coastal Conversations 5/24/19: Alewife restoration in the Bagaduce River Watershed first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne College of the Atlantic senior Kaitlyn Clark completed 19 interviews with worm harvesters, dealers and others involved in the marine worm industry (the state's fifth largest fishery). On today's show, we share audio clips from six of those harvesters and dealers who, with help from Clark, cover the following topics: 1. What are marine worms, where do they live, and why should we care about these critters? 2. How are worms harvested, what gear is used, how do wormers know where to find them, and what knowledge have they gained about worm ecology and movements? 3. What are the issues that worm harvesters are faced with today, including coastal access to mud flats, land-owner relationships, fisheries management, and the opioid epidemic. Guests: Kaitlyn Clark, Undergraduate Researcher at College of the Atlantic Donnie Bayrd, bloodworm digger and dealer from Milbridge Fred Johnson, bloodworm digger from Steuben Johnathan Renwick, bloodworm digger from Birch Harbor Derek Crocker, bloodworm and sandworm digger from Deer Isle James Arsenault, sandworm digger from Dresden Ken Webber, sandworm digger from Ellsworth The post Coastal Conversations 4/26/19: Marine worms, economy and ecology of two little known species first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Voices From the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019: Women in Fisheries Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel When you picture someone hauling up lobster traps on the wind swept Atlantic Ocean, chances are good that you are picturing a man. Fishing is one of those industries that is still mostly dominated by men. But that's changing. The number of women involved in fishing is on the rise, and there are more and more women involved in many related occupations too, occupations that support coastal communities and a thriving fishing industry. Five women involved in various aspect of the fishing industry are interviewed, including a lobsterman, a lobster trap builder, a fisheries biologist, and a pair of occupational therapists working to improve the odds of fishermen using lifejackets in this notoriously dangerous industry. These interviews are part of a larger collection called Voices of the Maine Fishermen's Forum. Guests: Freda McKie, lobsterman, Prince Edward Island, Canada Sonya Corbett, lobster trap builder, Sea Rose Trap Company, South Portland, Maine Sarah Madronal, fisheries biologist for Downeast Salmon Federation, Alewife Harvesters of Maine, and the Nature Conservancy Jessica Echard and Rebecca Weil, occupational therapists, Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety The post Coastal Conversations 3/22/19 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Maine coastal and ocean issues: Portland’s Working Waterfront at a Crossroads What is the history of Portland’s working waterfront and what role does it play in the state’s fishing industry? What changes are fishermen and wharf owners experiencing on the waterfront? How has Portland’s mixed use zoning changed over the last several decades and how has this impacted water dependent industries? What is the status of development on the waterfront in Portland today? What would fishermen and wharf owners like the Portland waterfront to be in the future? Guests: John Bisnette, fisherman Jim Buxton, fisherman Bill Coppersmith, fisherman Keith Lane, fisherman Willis Spear, fisherman Greg Turner, fisherman Charlie Poole, owner of Union Wharf The post Coastal Conversations 2/22/19 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Note: Because of storm-related power outages in the area, Coastal Conversation aired only via live stream on it’s usual air date, 1/25/19. It was rebroadcast on 1/31/19. Maine coastal and ocean issues: The Maine Ocean School Key Discussion Points: -Interviews with students, faculty and board members at the Maine Ocean School, a new public magnet school based in Searsport with a mission to provide a theme-based high school education focused on the ocean. -Students talk about their aspirations for the future and how the Ocean School will help them get there. -Founders talk about how this unique educational model came about with support from marine industry members from throughout the state. -Teachers talk about the school’s innovative curriculum. Guests: The 12 students of the Maine Ocean School‘s inaugural class Leslie Gregroy, Lead Teacher, Maine Ocean School Meg Begley, Teacher, Maine Ocean School James Gillway,school founder and chairman of the Maine Ocean School Foundation Searsport Town Manager, State Representative Gayle Zydlewski, member of the board of trustees of the Maine Ocean School University of Maine Associate Professor of Marine Sciences and Director of Maine Sea Grant Almon D. (Bud) Rivers, member of the board of trustees, Maine Ocean School Searsport Emergency Management Director The post Coastal Conversations 1/25/19 (web only) & 1/31/19 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Guest Co-producers for this show: Corina Gribble, Ela Keegan, and Katie Clark, College of the Atlantic students Maine coastal and ocean issues: Stories from the nation’s island-based working waterfronts Key Discussion Points: 1. Year-round island communities in Maine, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Great Lakes all share the need for an active working waterfront for survival. 2. Interviews recorded at the National Working Waterfront Symposium in May 2018 3. Stories from island residents, fishermen, municipal officials, a marine suveyor and others about the importance of ferry service, a good relationship with the adjoining mainland, parking. 4. Demographic changes are moving many island working waterfronts from fisheries based to tourism based. Guests: Matthew Preisser, Lansing, MI, Lake Coordinator, Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Steve Train, Long Island, ME, Commercial Lobsterman Duke Marshall & Mark Nelson, Smith Island, MD, Smith Island United Russ Brohl, South Bass Island, OH, Retired Ship Captain, Member of the Port Authority Peter Huston, South Bass Island, OH, Filmmaker Donald McCann, Fleets Island, VA, Marine Surveyor, Virginia Institute of Marine Science Andy Dorr, Vinalhaven, ME, Vinalhaven Town Manager Hattie Train, Long Island, ME, Undergraduate, University of Maine, and Commercial Lobsterman The post Coastal Conversations 11/23/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Maine coastal and ocean issues: Tourism and Community Development Downeast Key Discussion Points: A) Are tourism and quality of life for locals mutually exclusive? B) How do initiatives like Heart of Ellsworth contribute to community vitality? C) Some areas (such as Bar Harbor) seek to balance too much tourism; most other places in the region seek to grow more tourism. D) How do partnerships like Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism benefit tourism businesses as well as local communities who strive to balance the two. Guests: Crystal Hitchings, Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism and Washington County Council of Governments Alvion Kimball, Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism and former inn owner Cara Romano, Heart of Ellsworth Megan Moshier, Schoodic Institute The post Coastal Conversations 10/26/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Maine clams: what is causing their decline and how do we bring them back? Why are clams declining? Rising sea temperatures, green crabs, milky ribbon worms. What does the research show us? Over 99% of settled clams are being eaten (mostly by green crabs) before they reach 1 years old What can we do about the decline? Options for changing management. Guests: Dr. Brian Beal — Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Maine at Machias and Director of Research at the Downeast Institute. Sara Randall — Associate Director of the Downeast Institute Chad Coffin– Professional Clammer and President of the Maine Clammers Association The post Coastal Conversations 9/28/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Maine coastal and ocean issues: Hancock County’s Conserved Lands -What are some important conservation projects in the region right now? -How does a land trust work? What is a conservation easement? -How do conservation areas benefit the local community? -What is a working forest, and working farm? Guests: Aaron Dority, Executive Director, Frenchman Bay Conservancy Hans Carlson, Executive Director of Blue Hill Heritage Trust Bob DeForrest, Project Manager Maine Coast Heritage Trust The post Coastal Conversations 8/24/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Maine coastal and ocean issues: Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum Part 2 Hosted by fishermen for fishermen, the annual Maine Fishermen's Forum is THE place to learn about current issues facing the fishing industry and the coast of Maine. At the 2018 Forum this past Winter, Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast and College of the Atlantic recorded dozens of stories for the “Voices of the Maine Fishermen's Forum” collection. WERU aired some of these stories on Coastal Conversations back in March, but we are ready for more! Guests: Today’s five Voices of the Maine Fishermen's Forum include an elver fishermen, a herring purse seiner, and schooner captain, a fisheries advocate, and a fishermen's wife. The post Coastal Conversations 7/27/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Catherine Schmitt Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Coastal communities and environments: Maine bird populations Key Discussion Points: a) status of Maine bird populations and Bird Atlas initiative b) conservation of birds and bird habitat c) citizen science opportunities Guests: Doug Hitchcox, Maine Audubon Chris Bartlett, Maine Sea Grant Jeff Wells, Boreal Songbird Initiative The post Coastal Conversations 6/22/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Coastal and ocean issues: Co-managing MAINE’S soft shell clams Key Discussion Points: a) how does clam management work b) what are the threats to the clam population (predation, water quality etc) c) local efforts at conservation of clam flats Guests: Michael Pinkham, Gouldsboro and Steuben shellfish warden Ronnie Parrott, Clammer from Steuben and Gouldsboro Bridie McGreavy, UMaine and MAINE shellfish advisory committee Jessica Joyce, Cumberland Shellfish Conservation Committee The post Coastal Conversations 5/25/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Natalie Springuel Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Coastal and ocean issues: Co-managing MAINE’S soft shell clams Key Discussion Points: a) how does clam management work b) what are the threats to the clam population (predation, water quality etc) c) local efforts at conservation of clam flats Guests: Michael Pinkham, Gouldsboro and Steuben shellfish warden Ronnie Parrott, slammer from Steuben and Gouldsboro Bridie McGreavy, UMaine and MAINE shellfish advisory committee The post Coastal Conversations 5/25/18 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.