Maine

Utility-Scale Solar Power

May 11, 2017 By EarthWise

Solar panels on the roofs of houses have become a familiar sight in recent years, but utility-scale solar – installations of 10 megawatts and greater – are really booming these days. Throughout the United States, more than 10.5 gigawatts of utility-scale solar were added to the electric grid in 2016 – enough to power more than 2 million homes – and at least 8 gigawatts more are scheduled to come online this year.

As the oceans warm, many kinds of fish are on the move, seeking cooler and deeper water. Because of this, the fishing industry is struggling with antiquated regulations that are not moving as fast as the climate is changing.

[Read more…] about Fish On The Move

Catching Kelp In Maine

September 6, 2016 By Nationally Produced Shows

Farming, forestry, mining and recreation are the primary vocations in rural America. In coastal areas like Maine, fishing joins the list. And for Maine, commercial fishing has long been a major engine for the economy.

Scraping The Bottom

December 21, 2015 By Nationally Produced Shows

One doesn’t have to travel far in Downeast Maine to see what over-fishing can do to coastal villages and the people who work there. First the cod disappeared, then the herring, and finally the sardines.

[Read more…] about Scraping The Bottom

Climate Change And Lobster

September 2, 2015 By EarthWise

It’s no secret that ocean waters are warming, especially in New England. The waters in the Gulf of Maine are warming 99% faster than the rest of the world’s oceans. What’s the problem? Well, lobsters like cold water, and as a result, they’re heading north.

Maine

Farming, forestry, mining and recreation are the primary vocations in rural America. In coastal areas like Maine, fishing joins the list. And for Maine, commercial fishing has long been a major engine for the economy.

One doesn’t have to travel far in Downeast Maine to see what over-fishing can do to coastal villages and the people who work there. First the cod disappeared, then the herring, and finally the sardines.

It’s no secret that ocean waters are warming, especially in New England. The waters in the Gulf of Maine are warming 99% faster than the rest of the world’s oceans. What’s the problem? Well, lobsters like cold water, and as a result, they’re heading north.

WAMC Northeast Public Radio