Report details Island Institute's 2016 impact on islands and coast
Photo / James McCarthy
Lobster boats in the harbor of Isle au Haut. Nearly 50% of the community's year-round residents make their living as lobstermen.
The Island Institute has published its 2016 annual report, which showcases its community-building initiatives in 15-year-round island communities and 105 coastal communities. The Rockland-based nonprofit reported operating revenue of $5.47 million and almost $5.4 million in operating expenses, which included $883,179 being spent on community development and $1 million on economic development.
Of the 20 individuals who enrolled in the Aquaculture Business Development program that was launched in late 2015, 10 are already launching aquaculture businesses: Two plan to start farming kelp this winter, six started new oyster farms and two started a mussel farm. Of that initial enrollment group, 12 are year-round islanders and nine are active commercial fishermen. Impact of the new aquaculture ventures on Maine’s economy in the next five years is estimated at $8.3 million.
Archipelago, the Island Institute’s store and gallery in Rockland that provides an income stream for 225 Maine artists and artisans, reported $520,000 in sales from November 2015 to September 2016.
With improving internet access for island communities being a major priority, the institute commissioned a broadband feasibility study on 13 islands. Cliff Island, Cranberry Isles, Isle au Haut, Long Island, Swan’s Island, Vinalhaven, Peaks Island and Frenchboro have formed broadband task forces. Four island communities have started negotiations with their existing providers to improve broadband service.
The new Island and Coastal Business Launchpad reached more than 150 entrepreneurs in 2016, including several fishing cooperatives. Three companies received funding through the Island and Coastal Innovation Fund.
The institute’s energy efficiency programs resulted in 50 homes being audited and weatherized on seven islands and 100 interior storm windows being constructed. In July, experts from the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado visited Isle au Haut and Monhegan to collect data about the islands’ energy systems and to help residents identify their best renewable energy options.
In 2016, the institute awarded $113,150 in 73 scholarships.
The institute’s Island Fellows program provided assistance in 12 communities along the coast in energy efficiency, town management, fire and safety, eldercare and education. Three fellows were hired by their host sites after completing their fellowships this year.
The Island Leadership Exploration and Development program provided on-island leadership training on Great Cranberry, Islesford and Chebeague islands. A three-day workshop in Belfast provided comprehensive training in nonprofit management for 24 participants from 11 islands.
Looking ahead, Island Institute President Rob Snyder and Joe Higdon, chairman of the institute’s board of trustees, reported that the institute will launch in 2017 a new community data source called “Waypoints: Island and Coastal Community Indicators.” The publication will be released in January and will include data on a wide range of economic, community and environmental indicators for Maine’s island and coastal communities.
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