Maine Climate News, August 14

Eastport Residents and Allies Protest Proposed Underwater Data Center

Dozens of protestors gathered in Eastport to protest a proposed underwater data center in Passamaquoddy Bay. The protest was attended by people across the social and political spectrum, including tribal leaders, Democratic Socialist groups, Republican lawmakers, local business owners, and summer and full-time residents. Many worried that pollution from the proposed center would threaten the bay’s lobster and fish populations and affect tourism.

Underwater data centers are a relatively new idea with only a few similar projects operating today. The Eastport proposal is in very early stages but residents have already formed a committee to gather enough signatures to introduce local legislation that would block any data center development.

Source: Maine Monitor

Opposition to Proposed Solar Farm in Jay

There was a large turnout at a Jay Select Board meeting this week as residents raised concerns about a proposed solar project in the town. The proposed site includes parts of the former Androscoggin Mill and the Jay Hill Drive-In Theatre. The project would generate 150 megawatts of electricity, roughly the same amount of power once generated by the mill. If it proceeds as planned, it would be the largest solar farm in Maine.

Residents were concerned about the project’s potential environmental impacts, including plans to clear-cut wooded areas and how the land would be restored once the solar farm is no longer in operation.

A petition for a moratorium on solar development is reportedly in the works and could go before voters in November. In the meantime, the company plans to continue meeting with the Select Board and hold public meetings as the project moves forward.

Source: Maine Monitor

Lifeguard Pulled Underwater by Great White Shark

Shark sightings have surged across Southern Maine, with Wells Beach and Reid State Beach among those banning swimming after sightings.

This weekend, a Scarborough Beach lifeguard had a close encounter when a shark bit the line of a rescue device he was swimming with about 50 yards offshore. The lifeguard, who was five to six feet underwater, detached from the line and safely returned to shore.

Shark sightings have become more common as warming Gulf of Maine waters and a growing seal population attract more sharks to the region.

Swimmers should stay alert, avoid deep water, and follow lifeguard instructions. The Maine Department of Marine Resources also asks beachgoers to report shark activity through the Sharktivity app.

Source: Maine Public

Spruce Budworm Resistant Trees Planted in Maine

During a major spruce budworm outbreak in the 1990s, forestry researchers noticed that some trees remained healthy while others were heavily damaged. Researchers took needles from the unaffected trees and discovered they contained a fungus that helped protect the trees from the destructive budworms. They were able to grow the fungus in a lab and introduce it to saplings in hopes of producing more budworm-resistant trees.

Since 2007, a company in New Brunswick, Canada has been growing these trees and planting them across the Northeast. This year, the 100 millionth fungus-inoculated tree was planted in Maine, with plans to plant another 8 million this year. Researchers hope these insect-resistant seedlings will eventually replace trees that lack the protective fungus, helping Maine’s forests become more resilient to future spruce budworm outbreaks.

Source: Maine Monitor

Illegal Clam Harvesting in Downeast Maine

Officials in Lubec are urging residents to report illegal clam harvesting as the town works to protect its shellfish resources. The town has seen an increase in people harvesting clams without permission, including from areas closed to harvesting because of red tide, a harmful algal bloom that can produce toxins dangerous to people who consume contaminated shellfish. Officials are concerned that illegally harvested clams from closed areas could be sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Illegal harvesting can threaten both public health and the long-term sustainability of local clam flats. Officials are asking residents to report suspected violations and reminding harvesters to follow town rules and check whether an area is open before collecting shellfish.

Source: Maine Monitor