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Mainers seek more ‘sustainable’ seafood but labels may be misleading

Mainers are buying more "sustainable" and "humane" seafood but animal welfare advocates said such labels may not be telling the whole story. The …

China is Maine's top export destination for seafood, accounting for 80% to 85% of U.S. lobster sales and bringing in more than $300 million to the state's economy in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

U of Maine study reveals pathways for U.S. seafood independence

A new study from the University of Maine found the nation could reduce the amount of seafood it imports and still meet consumer demand. Americans …

Scientists say a major shift in ocean currents has helped increase the rate of warming in the Gulf of Maine to triple that of the world's oceans with annual average sea temperature now more than 1.9�F above normal. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Protecting 'The Yellowstone of the North Atlantic' – Maine’s Cashes Ledge

Conservation groups across New England are seeking permanent protections for the Cashes Ledge Area in the Gulf of Maine. Often called the …

More than one-third of plants and animals in Maine are expected to suffer dramatic population decline by the end of the century due to the impacts of climate change, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine. (Adobe Stock)

Climate change alters ME biodiversity as species' range shifts north

Scientists said climate change is having an unprecedented and accelerating effect on the biodiversity of plants and animals in Maine. Rising sea …

Maine's aquaculture harvest more than doubled in volume and in value over the past decade. It creates more than $100 million in annual revenue for the state, according to the Maine International Trade Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New England groups warn against 'factory' fish farming in federal waters

New England fishermen and environmental groups are working to prevent the growth of industrial-size fish farms in U.S. open waters. They said …

There are more than 1,300 species listed as either endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, including the piping plover, a shorebird found on sandy beaches in southern Maine. (Adobe Stock)

New Endangered Species Act rules consider climate impact on ME wildlife

Conservationists in Maine said reinstated protections of the Endangered Species Act could help wildlife already struggling to adapt to climate change…

The Atlantic herring is one of the most important fishery resources in Maine, supplying the primary bait used in its iconic lobster industry. It is also an important forage species for seabirds, marine mammals and a variety of larger fish species, according to the Maine Department of Marine Resources. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Anglers seek trawler buffer zone as Atlantic herring stock declines

Recreational fishermen in New England say commercial trawlers are threatening the survival of smaller businesses relying on a healthy stock of Atlanti…

A Spray underwater glider shortly after deployment in the Gulf Stream offshore of Miami, Fla., began one of the many glider-based surveys of the Gulf Stream completed by Associate Scientist Robert Todd's group at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution since 2015. (Robert Todd/WHOI)

Study confirms Gulf Stream warming, shifting toward Maine coast

The latest research finds the Gulf Stream has warmed faster than the global ocean over the past two decades, and has shifted toward the Atlantic …

As part of Maine's Offshore Wind Initiative, the state will develop a Floating Offshore Wind Research Array in the Gulf of Maine to foster research into floating offshore wind and how it interacts with the marine wildlife, fishing industry, shipping and navigation routes, and more. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME Labor Groups Applaud New Offshore Wind Energy Industry Standards

Labor advocates are hailing Maine Governor Janet Mill's signing of a landmark bill creating a new offshore wind energy industry in the state…

More than one-third of threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands, according to the EPA. In Maine, some of the threatened species found in wetlands include the Blanding's Turtle, Ringed Boghaunter Dragonfly, and English Sundew. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Affects Maine Waterways

Environmental advocates say the U.S. Supreme Court has dealt a major blow to the Clean Water Act and to Maine's ability to protect some of its most …

More than 70% of Maine's total electricity net generation comes from renewable energy, and hydroelectric power provides the largest share at 27%. (Adobe Stock)

New Hydropower Dam Designs Leave Fish Unharmed

By Eric Krebs for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

University of Maine graduate Emily Miller holds a female Arctic charr from the Floods Pond field site in Otis, Maine, where she and other scientists will measure, genetically sample and tag the long-lived species with a microchip ID. (Bradley Erdman)

Maine’s Arctic Charr Provide Insight into Climate Resilience

Researchers are studying the feeding habits of Arctic charr to help predict how other fish species could adapt to a warming climate. Arctic charr …

Some 80% of lobster in the U.S. come from Maine's adjacent waters while the lobster industry is estimated to create over 35,000 jobs in addition to state licensed lobstermen, lobster dealers and processors, and seasonal restaurant workers. (Adobe Stock)

U of Maine Lobster Study Aims to Protect State’s Vital Fishing Industry

Researchers at the University of Maine are studying how warming Arctic waters flowing into the Gulf of Maine are affecting the region's lobster popula…

Arctic terns have one of the longest annual migration patterns of any species on the planet, traveling from the Arctic to the Antarctic circles and back, nearly 19,000 miles. (rabbitti/Adobe Stock)

Experts, Birders: Turn Off Home Lights at Night During Migration Season

Saturday is World Migratory Bird Day, and bird experts said it is a great time to be on the lookout for types of birds you may not see every day in …

More than 190 winter bird species can be found in Maine, including chickadees, crows and mallards. (Ann Stryzhekin/Adobe Stock)

Maine Birders Urged to Assist in Mapping Wintering Species

The Maine Bird Atlas is in its fourth year out of five, an effort to document the abundance and distribution of the state's wintering and breeding …

Maine's ban on neonicotinoids prevents both private consumers and licensed applicators from using the pesticide. (lightpoet/Adobe Stock)

Law Bans Pesticides Seen as Harmful to Bees in Residential Landscapes

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A bill signed into law last week bans the use of neonicotinoids, neonics for short, in outdoor residential landscapes. The …

The last wild populations of Atlantic salmon in the United States are found in Maine's rivers, and groups say four hydroelectric dams on the Kennebec River need to be removed to help protect them. (Kevin/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Kennebec River Dams Threaten Endangered Atlantic Salmon

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine conservationists say four dams on the Kennebec River are the biggest threat to Atlantic salmon populations, and groups intend …

Fishing to Play Key Role in Next Decade of Conservation Efforts

BRUNSWICK, Maine -- Members of the Maine fishing industry are among those looking forward to having a seat at the table, to make progress toward the …

Funding from the Recovering America's Wildlife Act could help proactive efforts to protect the Maine moose population, the official state animal. (JMP Traveler/Adobe Stock)

Federal Bill Would Help Maine Keep "Common Species Common"

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine conservation groups say the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, just introduced in Congress, would not only help the state help …

A new federal Office of Climate Change is expected to address the intersection between climate change and public health; for example, pollution in certain communities leading to higher rates of respiratory illness. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

ME Climate Expert Applauds Exec. Orders to Tackle Climate Change

AUGUSTA, Maine -- President Joe Biden will sign a bundle of executive orders today, reversing more Trump-administration rollbacks and setting new …

People who catch lobster for a living have opposed tighter regulations on fishing gear, even though some of the gear jeopardizes critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. (NOAA)

Three Gulf of Maine Offshore Closures Recommended to Save Right Whales

BAR HARBOR, Maine - Emergency action is being requested to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The Pew Charitable Trusts …

The proposed transmission corridor would intersect the Appalachian Trail three times. (mahout/Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists Fault Certification of CMP Corridor

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Environmentalists say the Land Use Planning Commission's decision to certify a proposed power transmission corridor through Maine …

Warming winters in New England could force out the region's iconic, cold-loving sugar maple (Bob Nichols/USDA).

Analysis: Trump's Endangered Species Act Rules Could Devastate New England Forests

AUGUSTA, Maine – A new analysis by Defenders of Wildlife shows that New England could be hard hit if the Trump administration’s new …

North Atlantic right whales get caught in lobster and crab fishing lines, preventing them from swimming, diving or feeding normally. (Photo courtesy NOAA)

Ropeless Fishing Gear Could Aid Maine's Lobster Industry, Endangered Whales

PORTLAND, Maine — Researchers say conservationists and the fishing industry must work together to save the critically endangered North Atlantic …

According to the Center for Coastal Studies, at least eight right whales already have been found dead this year. (NOAA)

Activists Urge Fishing-Industry Changes to Protect Right Whales

AUGUSTA, Maine — Some in Maine feel new federal regulations to protect the right whale will hurt the lobster industry the state relies on…

Acadia National Park has received funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. (OakleyOriginals/Creative Commons)

House Subcommittee Takes Up Land & Water Conservation Fund Budget

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's budget proposal recommends gutting more than 95% of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Nonetheless, a House …

Maine fishermen caught close to 120 million pounds of lobster in 2018 and more than 100 million every year since 2011. (adamparent/Adobe Stock)

Offshore Lobster Industry in Maine Threatening Right Whales

BAR HARBOR, Maine – While the U.S. lobster industry is booming in Maine, some of its fishing methods are hurting a special group – the …

Water quality of small streams in places such as Spruce Creek can impact larger bodies of water. (InAweofGod'sCreation/Flickr)

Protections for Streams, Wetlands Under Attack

AUGUSTA, Maine - Negative reaction from conservation groups was swift to a Trump administration proposal on Tuesday to remove federal clean-water …

The town of Jackman, which just voted to oppose the CMP transmission line, is located on Maine's border with Canada. (Wbaron/Wikimedia Commons)

CMP Transmission Line to Face State Hurdles in 2019

JACKMAN, Maine — The town of Jackman has joined a growing number of places and organizations that oppose the proposed Central Maine Power …

The proposed transmission line would cross 263 wetlands, 115 streams and 12 waterfowl habitat areas. (digihanger/pixabay)

Public to Weigh in on CMP Transmission Line

AUGUSTA, Maine — On Wednesday, the public will have a chance to speak out about a proposed power transmission line that would run through Maine …

The proposed power line would cut through 50 miles of forest, and cross 263 wetlands and 115 streams. (SnapStock/Pixabay)

Questioning Benefits of Power Transmission Proposal

AUGUSTA, Maine – Environmental groups are challenging an electric transmission line proposal that was rejected by New Hampshire and now has …

A broad based coalition is urging Sen. Susan Collins to join Sen. Angus King in opposing the nomination of Scott Pruitt to head the EPA. (Natural Resources Council of Maine)

Coalition Urges Maine Senators to Unite, Reject EPA Nominee

AUGUSTA, Maine – With a vote possible as early as this week, environmental advocates are urging both of Maine's U.S. senators to unite in …

There should be no shortage of Moose at Maine's newest national monument in the North Woods. (Walter Ezell via wiki).

Opportunity Knocks with New Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

AUGUSTA, Maine – President Barack Obama on Wednesdasy designated a new national monument for Maine. Its goal is to preserve the landscape and …

Loons are among Maine wildlife that local advocates say are likely to benefit from more stringent standards on mercury pollution. (John Picken)

EPA Analysis of Mercury Rule Called "Good News" for Mainers

AUGUSTA, Maine – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed an analysis showing that reducing emissions of mercury and other toxic …

Maine and New Hampshire are working together, taking biological samples and using GPS tracking collars to study the survival rate of moose in both states. (Ashley Malinowski)

Maine, NH Team Up to Track Moose Survival Rates

AUGUSTA, Maine – Shorter winters are blamed for driving up the local tick and parasite population, which can be fatal to moose, and now Maine …

Action by the National Marie Fisheries Service will expand protected waters in the Gulf of Maine for the right whale, which is more endangered than Siberian tigers or pandas. (NMFS/NOAA)

Lifeline for Endangered Right Whales: Gulf of Maine and More

BANGOR, Maine - Advocates for wildlife are calling it a lifeline that will protect the most endangered whales on earth - off the coast of New England …

A new poll, conducted after the killing of Cecil the lion in Africa, finds a majority of U.S. voters also oppose trophy hunting for bears in the United States in places such as Maine. Courtesy: HSUS

Killing of Cecil the Lion Shines Spotlight on Trophy Hunting in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine – A new poll shows Americans are turning thumbs down on trophy hunting by a two-to-one margin. And the same poll also sends a …

Hunting and fishing contribute half a billion dollars to Maine's economy and a new (NWF) survey shows wide bipartisan report for extending EPA Clean Water protections to smaller rivers and streams. Credit: Missing Lynx/NRCM.

Poll Finds Wide Support for Clean Water

AUGUSTA, Maine – Tea Party voters are well represented in a new bipartisan survey that finds broad support for the Clean Water Act. Three-in-…

Summer vacation adventures on public lands could change dramatically if the push to turn federal lands over to state control succeeds, and there have been moves to do that in both the U.S. House and Senate. Photo of beach-goers at Assateague Island. Courtesy: National Park Service.

Vacation Plans and Public Lands: Complicated Relationships Ahead?

AUGUSTA, Maine – Summer vacation adventures on public lands could change dramatically if the push to turn federal lands over to state control …

PHOTO: The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comment on proposed rules to update standards for ground-level ozone that impact Maine. Photo credit: Jeffrey B. Ferland/Wikimedia Commons

The Nation's Tailpipe? Speaking Out About Smog in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine – Because of Maine's location and the prevailing west-to-east winds, the state's unfortunate nickname in some quarters is the …

PHOTO: Maine is sitting pretty and setting the pace when it comes to meeting the goals of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, which would require states to reduce carbon emissions from power plants 32 percent by 2030. Photo credit: tpsdave/Pixabay

EPA's Clean Power Plan? Maine's Been There, Doing That

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine is sitting pretty and setting the pace when it comes to meeting the goals of the Environmental Protection Agency's …

PHOTO: A new report from the National Wildlife Federation finds winter ticks are becoming more abundant in Maine, in part because of less severe winters. The ticks pose a threat to the depleted New England moose population. Photo credit: Paul Anderson/Morguefile.

Report Finds Ticks on Rise; Bad News for Moose and Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine. - With autumn around the corner, a new report from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) finds Maine's winter tick population is …

PHOTO: The EPA holds hearings across the country beginning Tuesday on its proposed Clean Air Plan aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants. While Maine is not a hearing site, one member of Congress is making sure her voice is heard. Photo credit: Dori / Wikimedia Commons.

EPA to Get an Earful on Clean Air

PORTLAND, Maine - The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) will begin holding a series of public hearings across the U.S. on Tuesday on the newly-…

PHOTO: Two Lights State Park in Cumberland County is among the beneficiaries of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Congress initially passed legislation creating the fund 50 years ago this week. Photo credit: Wikipedia.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Lauded, Defended

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the vote in Congress which created the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Signed …

PHOTO: Coastal storm damage, such as in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, will be more frequent as sea levels rise through the century in the Northeast, according to a new report. Photo courtesy Risky Business Project.

Report: Maine Economy Headed “Underwater?”

PORTLAND, ME - The Northeast is expected to experience a temperature increase over the next century. But a new study identified rising oceans…

PHOTO: Bangor is ranked as one of the cleanest cities for air pollution in the country in a new analysis by the American Lung Association. Portland received a poorer grade. Photo credit: Wikipedia.

Maine’s Air: The Good, The Bad And The Asthma

PORTLAND, Maine – The news for Maine is both good and bad in the latest State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association…

PHOTO: Despite yearly warnings, many parents buy Easter gifts of baby bunnies and chicks for sale in many pet stores and online on sites like Craigslist, but animal advocates caution that when the novelty wears off, there are limited options. Photo: Hihih Krulik/Wikipedia

After Easter: Hard Times for Bunnies and Chicks

PORTLAND, Maine - Every year around Easter, animal experts stress that bringing any animal into the home should be a well-thought-out decision and …

PHOTO: Today is the last chance for public comments regarding

Last Day for Public Comments to “Free Lolita”

AUGUSTA, Maine – Lolita is a captive whale at the Miami Seaquarium who has been performing tricks for 43 years – and she could get a shot …

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