The town of Harpswell has chosen interim Harbormaster Darcie Couture to serve in the role permanently, after soliciting applications and conducting interviews for the position.
Couture, who has a background in marine biology and operates a small oyster farm in Harpswell, was hired by the town as a deputy harbormaster in June 2025. In October, then-Harbormaster Paul Plummer resigned to work for the city of Portland, and Couture was chosen to replace him on an interim basis.
Town officials announced at a Select Board meeting on Thursday, May 7, that Couture had been offered and had accepted the permanent role at a salary of $67,000. Four people applied for the position, they said.
“We had some incredible applicants, and you were right on top … because of your science background and your capabilities on the water,” Select Board member David Chipman told Couture.
Couture has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and a dual master’s degree in marine biology and marine policy from the University of Maine. She has a varied professional background that includes research, consulting, fishing and aquaculture.
“We think Darcie is doing a good job, plus her skills and her science background, which is as important nowadays as the harbormaster position,” Select Board Chair Kevin Johnson said at the meeting.
The harbormaster’s responsibilities include overseeing the town’s waterways, responding to emergencies and hazards, monitoring environmental issues and working with fishermen, shellfish harvesters and sea farmers.
In an interview, Couture said she has enjoyed serving as interim harbormaster, and that the role has given her a chance to apply her problem-solving skills and experience at the local level. She plans to downsize her oyster farm in order to focus on the new, permanent position.
“It’s a nice way to use my skills and be really satisfied with the work I do,” Couture said. “Harpswell has a special place in my heart, and I’m really excited about … doing this job and serving the community.”
