Fisheries & Marine

Heather Moretti said her top priority as waterfront coordinator will be “to help usher in a new phase for a thriving, dynamic waterfront in Portland, preserving our heritage industries while also welcoming innovation in the blue economy.”

Funds are available for properties that retain their use for fishing, aquaculture and closely related commercial marine activities.

Lobster reproduction and growth in changing environmental conditions and potential effects of offshore energy installations on seafloor habitats are among topics to be studied.

The spending minibus passed the House with bipartisan support, 341-88, and now moves to the Senate.

The latest funds would support Maine’s lobster industry by improving research related to the endangered species. The federal government has been investing in the development of technologies to improve fishing gear and population monitoring.

A $1 million appropriation will fund the American Lobster Settlement Index Maine Collector Survey, which would support staffing, equipment and supplies to better track juvenile lobster populations in the Gulf of Maine.

Activity at boat service yards and marinas is steady and most Maine marinas have waiting lists for dockage and moorings.

Charles French will oversee the organization’s strategic priorities in climate, marine economy and community capacity.

The year’s good news ran the gamut — from mentoring teens in lobstering to combating food insecurity.

The fire caused damaged to several portions of attached buildings, including storage and maintenance spaces used by fishermen, lobstermen’s trap repair shops and businesses.