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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Community Science In Support Of Ecosystem-Based Management: A Case Study From The Damariscotta River Estuary, Maine, Usa, Sarah C. Risley, Kara E. Pellowe, Melissa L. Britsch, Meredith M. White, Heather M. Leslie
Community Science In Support Of Ecosystem-Based Management: A Case Study From The Damariscotta River Estuary, Maine, Usa, Sarah C. Risley, Kara E. Pellowe, Melissa L. Britsch, Meredith M. White, Heather M. Leslie
Maine Policy Review
Coastal marine ecosystems are dynamic social-ecological systems (SESs) that support diverse ecosystem services and human activities. The complexity of SESs means that ecosystem-based approaches are increasingly used to support coastal marine ecosystem stewardship. We report how a community science program in Maine, USA offers a model of organizational innovation to expand capacities for shellfish research and management. Since 2019, we have collaborated with local students, shellfish harvesters, and others in data collection, interpretation, and application, contributing to local shellfish management and ecosystem sustainability. We demonstrate how community-based social and ecological research can build adaptive capacities by centering local knowledge; generating …
Policy Changes For A Nutrition Education Program In Maine: Issues And Implications, Alan Majka, Janet C. Fairman, Kathryn Yerxa
Policy Changes For A Nutrition Education Program In Maine: Issues And Implications, Alan Majka, Janet C. Fairman, Kathryn Yerxa
Maine Policy Review
Food insecurity and preventable chronic disease have profound impacts on quality of life and health care costs in Maine. Many government programs have been developed to address these issues; however, effectiveness has often been limited by restrictive policies and less than optimal coordination. In this paper the authors draw upon their research and experiences in Maine, research conducted by others, and state and national statistics to elucidate some of these programs, including their efficacy, limitations, potential and threats to their sustainability. The authors contend that recent federal rule changes allow for greater impact through implementation of evidence-based strategies at the …
Two Maine Forest Pests: A Comparison Of Approaches To Understanding Threats To Hemlock And Ash Trees In Maine, Darren Ranco, Amy Arnett, Erika Latty, Alysa Remsburg, Kathleen Dunckel, Erin Quigley, Rob Lillieholm, John Daigle, Bill Livingston, Jennifer Neptune, Theresa Secord
Two Maine Forest Pests: A Comparison Of Approaches To Understanding Threats To Hemlock And Ash Trees In Maine, Darren Ranco, Amy Arnett, Erika Latty, Alysa Remsburg, Kathleen Dunckel, Erin Quigley, Rob Lillieholm, John Daigle, Bill Livingston, Jennifer Neptune, Theresa Secord
Maine Policy Review
The authors describe two invasive insect forest pests; the hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) has already arrived in Maine, and the emerald ash borer (EAB) has not yet reached Maine, but will have a devastating effect on the state’s Indian basketmakers when it does arrive. With funding through Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative, teams based at the University of Maine and Unity College are bringing together faculty, students, and stakeholders to better understand the threats that infestations pose to the ecology and economy of the Maine’s forests and to longstanding cultural practices.
Bringing Local Foods To The Farm Bill, Chellie Pingree
Bringing Local Foods To The Farm Bill, Chellie Pingree
Maine Policy Review
U.S. House Representative Chellie Pingree addresses the importance of revising the Federal Farm Bill to provide greater support to small, local farms if Maine and the nation are to have a sustainable food system..
Maine’S Food System: An Overview And Assessment, D. Robin Beck, Nikkilee Carleton, Hedda Steinhoff, Daniel Wallace, Mark Lapping
Maine’S Food System: An Overview And Assessment, D. Robin Beck, Nikkilee Carleton, Hedda Steinhoff, Daniel Wallace, Mark Lapping
Maine Policy Review
From an agrarian and seafaring past, Maine’s food system has seen profound changes over the past two centuries. Grain, milk, livestock, fish, potatoes, vegetables and fruits used to come from small, family farms. Today, most people in Maine don’t know where their food comes from. Many are dependent on federal, state and local “emergency food systems” such as food stamps, food pantries, and childhood nutrition programs. Food-processing facilities, distribution systems, and value-added products are in short supply. Nevertheless, Maine has a diversity and abundance of food products. In this article, the authors provide a historical overview and current analysis of …
Education On Food, Fisheries And Agriculture, Molly Anderson
Education On Food, Fisheries And Agriculture, Molly Anderson
Maine Policy Review
This article describes the important role of education in helping the growing workforce in food-related industries, as well as the general population. The author notes that education in Maine about food, fisheries, and agriculture is provided in a wide variety of venues: formal degrees at colleges and universities; Cooperative Extension; farm-to-school programs; the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA); and even educational farms. A sidebar by John Rebar discusses the work of University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Challenges To Food Access Among Lewiston’S African Immigrants, Michelle Vasquez Jacobus, Reza Jalali
Challenges To Food Access Among Lewiston’S African Immigrants, Michelle Vasquez Jacobus, Reza Jalali
Maine Policy Review
Michelle Vasquez Jacobus and Reza Jelali present a case study of challenges to food access among African immigrants in Lewiston, Maine
It’S Growing Season For Maine’S Food System, Deborah Felder
It’S Growing Season For Maine’S Food System, Deborah Felder
Maine Policy Review
In the introduction to this special issue, guest editor Deb Felder lays out the elements of a sustainable food system. She notes that the increased interest in more ecologically sustainable, safe, humane, and economical community-supported food systems has “put Maine in the forefront of the food movement.”
Economic Impact Of Organic Farming In Maine, Jed Beach
Economic Impact Of Organic Farming In Maine, Jed Beach
Maine Policy Review
Maine’s organic farm sector is growing, and as described in this article, is contributing to the state’s economy and communities in many positive ways.
An Abundant Food System, Russell Libby
An Abundant Food System, Russell Libby
Maine Policy Review
Russell Libby imagines what an abundant food system would look like for Maine and what it would take to get there. His recommendations include expanding the production and financing base, encouraging year-round production systems, building up mid-sized markets, and integrating farms into the ecosystem
Building A Sustainable Seafood System For Maine, Robin Alden
Building A Sustainable Seafood System For Maine, Robin Alden
Maine Policy Review
In this article, Robin Alden notes that Maine could have one of the premier marine food systems in the world. However, that means adequate stewardship of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and diversifying the fishing industry beyond lobster by creating innovative public policy and a food system that supports community fishing.
Toward A Working- Waterfront Ethic: Preserving Access To Maine’S Coastal Economy, Heritage, And Local Seafood, Robert Snyder
Toward A Working- Waterfront Ethic: Preserving Access To Maine’S Coastal Economy, Heritage, And Local Seafood, Robert Snyder
Maine Policy Review
Maine has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, one for which people are willing to pay a premium. But for Maine fisherman, the coast is how they access their livelihood. In 2002 only 25 miles of Maine’s 5,300-mile coastline supported working-waterfront access. This article discusses creative and innovative strategies to preserve Maine’s working waterfront, including current-use taxation, purchase of development rights, and community-supported fisheries (CSF).
Maine’S Dairy Relief Program, Tim Drake
Maine’S Dairy Relief Program, Tim Drake
Maine Policy Review
This short article looks at Maine’s dairy-relief program, which is viewed as national model of good public policy that can save jobs, support traditional industry, and keep a critical link in our food system
Healthy Food Access And Affordability: “We Can Pay The Farmer Or We Can Pay The Hospital", Gus Schumacher, Michel Nischan, Daniel Bowman Simon
Healthy Food Access And Affordability: “We Can Pay The Farmer Or We Can Pay The Hospital", Gus Schumacher, Michel Nischan, Daniel Bowman Simon
Maine Policy Review
The authors provide a history and overview of Federal food assistance efforts, especially food supplement programs, and the policy implications for Maine and national nutrition-incentive programs. They present a profile of the work of Wholesome Wave which aims to increase affordability and access to locally-grown food.
By Land And By Sea, Amanda Beal
By Land And By Sea, Amanda Beal
Maine Policy Review
This short article discusses the results of the By Land and By Sea project, in which Maine fishermen and farmers came together to discuss common concerns and to forge new solutions aimed at re-envisioning a unified food system.
Hunger In Maine, Donna Yellen, Mark Swann, Elena Schmidt
Hunger In Maine, Donna Yellen, Mark Swann, Elena Schmidt
Maine Policy Review
Hunger and food insecurity is on the rise in Maine. Mainers are experiencing a food emergency made graver by the economic recession and rising health costs. The authors of this article discuss hunger in Maine, focusing on private efforts to alleviate it.
Poor Nutrition Amidst Plenty, Dora Anne Mills
Poor Nutrition Amidst Plenty, Dora Anne Mills
Maine Policy Review
Hunger and food insecurity is on the rise in Maine as are increases in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, all linked to food choices. Old and young, immigrant and native, rural and urban—Mainers are experiencing a food emergency made graver by the economic recession and rising health costs. Dora Anne Mills writes about “poor nutrition amidst plenty,” its causes, consequences, and the programs and policies that address it
Local Food For Lewiston: Exploring The Role Of Food Assessment As Part Of Broader Work In Community-Engaged Food Systems, Kirsten Walter
Local Food For Lewiston: Exploring The Role Of Food Assessment As Part Of Broader Work In Community-Engaged Food Systems, Kirsten Walter
Maine Policy Review
Kirsten Walter’s case study discusses the community food assessment in Lewiston, Maine and the recommendations stemming from it.
Food Safety, Alfred A. Bushway, Beth Calder, Jason Bolton
Food Safety, Alfred A. Bushway, Beth Calder, Jason Bolton
Maine Policy Review
The authors describe the importance of food safety regulations and practices in this era of global food systems and illustrate some of the challenges facing Maine’s small food producers and processors.
Farms And The Working Landscape, John Piotti
Farms And The Working Landscape, John Piotti
Maine Policy Review
After years of losing farms and farmers, Maine is seeing an increase in the number of acres being farmed, due partly to a resurgence of interest in farming and new tools that help preserve working landscapes. These tools include agricultural easements such as those offered by the Land for Maine’s Future, the Buy/Protect/Sell program at Maine Farmland Trust, local ordinances, and several federal programs
Alternative Large-Scale Conservation Visions For Northern Maine: Interviews With Decision Leaders In Maine, Elizabeth Dennis Baldwin, Laura S. Kenefic, Will F. Lapage
Alternative Large-Scale Conservation Visions For Northern Maine: Interviews With Decision Leaders In Maine, Elizabeth Dennis Baldwin, Laura S. Kenefic, Will F. Lapage
Maine Policy Review
Based on confidential interviews with 21 decision leaders in Maine, Elizabeth Baldwin, Laura Kenefic, and Will LaPage examine the complexity of the conflicts over alternate visions for large-scale conservation in Maine. Exploring models that may be useful for policymakers grappling with competing values for Maine’s forests, they present four alternatives: national forests, new U.S. forest service models, forest heritage areas, and the British national park model. The authors found that the leaders interviewed agreed about the need for some level of conservation, but did not completely agree on how this might happen and where the decision-making power should lie.
Certification And Labeling Of Forest Products: Will It Lead To More Environmentally Benign Forestry In Maine?, Mario F. Teisl, Stephanie Peavey, Kelly O’Brien
Certification And Labeling Of Forest Products: Will It Lead To More Environmentally Benign Forestry In Maine?, Mario F. Teisl, Stephanie Peavey, Kelly O’Brien
Maine Policy Review
From a supply and demand point of view, the trend toward forest-products certification appears simple: some retail consumers may prefer to buy products from forests managed in an environmentally sound way while some forest owners may be willing to alter their management practices in order to sell to these consumers. However, as the authors indicate, the issue of communicating to consumers the degree of “environmental good” being purchased can be complicated and may be a factor affecting the long-term success of certification programs. The authors present the results of a recent survey that assessed the use of two types of …
Fish Or Foul? Will Aquaculture Carve Out A Niche In The Gulf Of Maine?, Philip W. Conkling
Fish Or Foul? Will Aquaculture Carve Out A Niche In The Gulf Of Maine?, Philip W. Conkling
Maine Policy Review
Despite early promise and an optimal environment, aquaculture has grown more slowly in Maine than it has in other parts of the United States and the world. As Philip Conkling explains, this is due to market forces, scientific and technical issues, cultural opposition, and, more recently, the threat of an endangered species listing for Atlantic salmon. While near-term prospects for significant expansion of the industry appear bleak, Conkling suggests that a fresh generation of pioneers may be able to carve out a new niche, but only by conducting “old fashioned” research and development—on the job, on the water, and in …
Evolution Of The Maine Lobster Co-Management Law, James Acheson, Terry Stockwell, James A. Wilson
Evolution Of The Maine Lobster Co-Management Law, James Acheson, Terry Stockwell, James A. Wilson
Maine Policy Review
In fisheries management circles, there is growing realization that traditional ways of managing marine resources are not working and that new approaches to management need to be tried. One of the most promising of these new approaches is co-management, where authority for managing fish stocks is shared between the industry and government agencies. This paper discusses the implementation of the new co-management system, which was initiated in the Maine lobster industry in 1995. The law has clearly been successful; it has been framed in a way to allow lobster fishermen to be able to generate rules to constrain their own …
Developing A Cooperative Research Agenda For Maine’S Commercial Fisheries, Robin Alden, Linda Mercer
Developing A Cooperative Research Agenda For Maine’S Commercial Fisheries, Robin Alden, Linda Mercer
Maine Policy Review
This past year the Maine Department of Marine Resources sponsored a unique series of meetings involving fishermen, academic and government scientists, and fishery managers. The goal was to define a shared research agenda for Maine’s marine fisheries. Robin Alden and Linda Mercer summarize the results of these meetings. In doing so they address the question: “What do we need to know to properly manage Maine's major marine resources?” Alden and Mercer also conclude that the collaborative process these meetings helped to establish is one of the keys to the successful management of Maine’s marine resources.
Linking Marine Science To Industry: One Building Block, Kathleen Ellis
Linking Marine Science To Industry: One Building Block, Kathleen Ellis
Maine Policy Review
All involved in the work to develop Maine’s marine industry are united in the view that partnerships are paramount in maximizing the potential of this resource for the benefit of the state’s economy in a global marketplace. One entity with experience in the arena of working in collaboration with the private and public sectors is the University of Maine, which now is attempting to develop its role within the state’s marine industry further by becoming the home of a new School of Marine Sciences. Kathleen Ellis in this commentary offers some historical perspective on the university’s place in the state’s …
Options For Managing Maine’S Fisheries: Fisheries Management From An Ecological Perspective, James A. Wilson
Options For Managing Maine’S Fisheries: Fisheries Management From An Ecological Perspective, James A. Wilson
Maine Policy Review
Jim Wilson counters the concerns raised by Ralph Townsend [this issue].The current policy course set by Marine Resources Commissioner Robin Alden is based on an approach to fisheries management which redefines the sustainability problem as an ecosystem problem. Wilson argues that, within this new paradigm, questions such as “how, when, and where” to fish (or not fish) are much more central than species-specific quota setting. These questions not only change the rules under which co-management is implemented but also may improve fisheries management in ways that quota systems have failed, that is the long term conservation of species and habitats.
Common Sense Over Politics Is The Answer, Kevin Hancock
Common Sense Over Politics Is The Answer, Kevin Hancock
Maine Policy Review
No abstract provided.