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Bench dust-up surfaces tensions in Giant’s Stairs neighborhood

Bench dust-up surfaces tensions in Giant’s Stairs neighborhood

By Jeffrey Good • September 1, 2026

Ruby Pinders grew up in Maine, spent years building a business with her husband in Vermont, and then came home. As her 77th birthday approached this summer, she traveled to the Giant's Stairs on Bailey Island to walk beside familiar waters.

Lobsters remain plentiful in Maine, but outside forces cast uncertainty on industry

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Lobsters remain plentiful in Maine, but outside forces cast uncertainty on industry

By Sam Lemonick • August 31, 2026

There was a time when lobsters were so abundant along the Maine coast that they could be plucked by hand from shallow water. Those days are long gone, but for most people — whose interactions with lobsters happen on plates and rolls — it might be hard to say how lobsters and the lobster industry are doing. Lobster rolls might cost more, like everything else, but they're still available.

For lobstermen, prices are up — for everything except lobsters

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For lobstermen, prices are up — for everything except lobsters

By Sam Lemonick • August 31, 2026

Almost every lobsterman has the same answer about what they're paying too much for: "Everything." They are feeling the squeeze in every aspect: fuel, bait, traps, rope, insurance and more. The only thing that they say hasn't gone up is the price they get for their lobsters.

What’s the biggest threat to the lobster industry?

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What’s the biggest threat to the lobster industry?

By Sam Lemonick • August 31, 2026

Lobstermen are under threat. They all agree on that much. The threats they describe vary from one to the next. But they are worried about their future, and the future of a livelihood that many learned from their fathers and grandfathers and want to pass to their children and grandchildren.

Above water?

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Above water?

By Sam Lemonick • August 31, 2026

Harpswell's working waterfront is as vital to its lobstermen as their boats and traps. The working waterfront is where they access their boats, take on bait and fuel, sell their lobsters, and store their gear. Keeping these wharfs, floats, bait sheds and other structures in working order is an ongoing battle. For wharf owners, rising costs, a shrinking fleet and an uncertain future are making that battle even more difficult, and the stakes are high.

Harpswell’s Miss Ava Elaine overcomes engine trouble to dominate races

Features

Harpswell’s Miss Ava Elaine overcomes engine trouble to dominate races

By Sam Lemonick • August 30, 2026

A thick fog has Andy Johnson motoring slowly, eyes flicking from the windscreen to his instruments, as he navigates around Basin Point and heads up toward Mitchell Field. A couple hours later, under clear blue skies, the captains will only have one thing to worry about: speed.

Families come first at 2026 Bailey Island Fishing Tournament

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Families come first at 2026 Bailey Island Fishing Tournament

By Sam Lemonick • August 29, 2026

The Bailey Island Fishing Tournament returned July 18-24 for its 84th edition, with an emphasis on the next generation. The Casco Bay Tuna Club, which organizes the tournament, added a new category for ages 12-17 and opened the tournament with an afternoon of tuna activities for families.

Special Reports

The $42 Million Question

The Harpswell Anchor's 2026 special report, "The $42 Million Question," examines the state of the lobster fishery in Harpswell. Anchor journalists interviewed lobstermen at wharfs across town and talked to scientists and economists to gain their perspective.

byHarpswell Anchor

August 31, 2026