Coastal Conversations | 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.