From the Sea Up

According to Togue Brawn, owner of Downeast Dayboat, you haven’t really tasted a scallop until you’ve tasted a Maine scallop. Maine scallops have made a comeback thanks to regulatory changes and conservation efforts. Hear from some folks who fish for this fresh, sustainable, and frankly delicious variety of Maine seafood to find out what sets it apart. 

We begin this limited series about Maine's sustainable seafood with the story of a partnership between the Island Institute and Luke’s Lobster, the inspiration behind that partnership, and the fishermen and species it supports. 

Craig Olson and Claire Donnelly of the Island Institute's Small Business team wrap up the series with a look back at the past year, what it's meant for small businesses in Maine (and everywhere), and the lessons learned moving forward.

This episode is a little bit different. We’re stepping back from current economic challenges to talk with Thomas “TL” Tutor of ReVision Energy about the clean energy transition, and why now is actually the perfect time to invest in solar infrastructure.

Kate Hall, owner of a microgreens farm and juice business, reflects on the challenges of being a single mom and small business owner during the pandemic. She made the most of it by teaming up with fellow businesses to create a weekly delivery service that provides local goods.

What's it like to sell or buy a business in the middle of the pandemic? Laura Serino recently sold Island Apothecary, the natural skincare company she founded, to longtime employee and friend, Fiona Robins. They discuss navigating this transaction in uncertain times.

Tessa Rosenberry and Davis Saltonstall co-founded ScrapDogs Community Compost. We talk about their start-up story, the importance of sustainable food systems, their goal to create an organics management business, and how they have navigated the pandemic.

Merritt Carey is the Community Relations Director at Luke’s Lobster. We talk about her extensive and diverse career, the importance of adaptive learning, and how she’s "never been afraid to drink from the firehose."

Maine’s fishermen and coastal communities have been challenged due to the impacts of the pandemic. We discussed the trajectory of the lobster season this summer and the future of the industry with small business owner and commercial lobsterman, Dave Cousins.

We checked in with some of the business owners we first spoke with at the start of the pandemic to see how things are going—Melissa Raftery & Megan Wood of 44 North Coffee and Gabe Pendleton of Pendleton Yacht Yard.