The Greater Portland Council of Governments has upgraded three mapping applications that provide data to help Casco Bay municipalities, harbormasters, aquaculture farmers and coastal stakeholders manage nearshore resources effectively.
“With rising sea levels, development growth considerations and increased demand for marine resources, communities need better data and decision-support tools,” said Gretchen Anderson, the council’s sustainability coordinator.
Upgrades to the portal include information on mooring fields, navigation projects, public boat launches and other maritime data in one platform. There’s also aquaculture information and an interactive resource illustrating the impact of the January 2024 coastal storms.
The portal was developed through a collaboration that included Viewshed (formerly Spatial Alternatives) acting as the GIS consultant and site manager. and Greater Portland Council of Governments serving as the hosting agency and supports education and outreach.
Funding was provided by several organizations, including the Davis Conservation Foundation, Builder’s Initiative, Nature Conservancy, Island Institute and Maine Coastal Program.