ON THE WATERFRONT

A report released this week by The Island Institute provides important data on Maine’s working waterfront enabling state and local officials to make better informed decisions about preserving access to coastal waters.

While a sense of crisis has surrounded discussions of preserving the state’s working waterfront, in the past there was little solid information about where fishermen could readily access the water. As part of a 2005 bond, $2 million was allocated to ensuring fishermen had access to the ocean by buying commercial piers, parking and berthing spaces. Six projects were funded including the renovation of the town pier on Isle au Haut, the purchase of a right of way to clam flats in Machiasport and the purchase of facilities the Spruce Head Fishermen’s Co-op had leased in South Thomaston. Another $3 million will be on the ballot in November.

Voters also approved an amendment to the constitution to assess waterfront land used for commercial fishing activities based on the land’s current use, like the state does for farms, open space and forestland.

During the discussion of these ballot questions, the public was frequently told that Maine had only 25 miles of coastline devoted to the working waterfront. By mapping where these places are, The Island Institute has painted a fuller picture of the situation. And while it highlights the need to ensure access in some areas, it also provides success stories for other communities to emulate.

Overall, the institute found 1,555 places with saltwater access within the 142 coastal towns along Maine’s 5,300 miles of ocean frontage. Of these, 45 percent or 696 provided public access and 888 support commercial fishing activities, although some are private and require owner permission to use.

However, only 81 access points statewide have the qualities of “prime working waterfront,” such as all-tide access, adequate parking and on-site fuel availability, and only 62 of them currently support commercial fishing activities. Few of these prime spots are Down East.

The small portion of the coast that can be considered working waterfront is under constant pressure to be converted to other uses. Without waterfront access, fishermen can’t get to the sea and can’t catch fish. Coastal development also threatens fishermen because homeowners who thought the lobster pound or fishing pier was quaint when they moved in soon find the early morning boat noise, the sea gulls and the smell annoying.

The Island Institute report points to water-dependent use zoning as a practical remedy. The town of St. George, where 485 commercial fishing licenses are held, has a shoreland zoning ordinance that includes commercial fisheries-maritime activities districts. Dwellings and non-marine commercial establishments are prohibited in these districts, which cover more than 2 miles of the midcoast town’s waterfront. St. George also has a coastal water management board that assesses the use of the town’s two public landings. The board has found a need for another public landing and has identified 12 lots for further consideration should they become for sale. A town land acquisition fund could help with a purchase.

This comprehensive approach can help identify and preserve working waterfront access in other parts of the state.