Coastal Communities Issues

Climate change, storms, flooding, wind power, the COVID-19 pandemic, public access, infrastructure, and numerous other issues hold potential to impact coastal communities in New England.

As the frequency and severity of coastal storms and other weather events increases, communities are facing increased pressure to confront climate change, sea level rise, and related issues.

Issues surrounding resiliency are challenges for many coastal communities. Reports and images in the news of flooding and weather-related damage are becoming more and more common.

Federal, state, and local governments are all tasked with addressing the effects of weather and climate driven events. Immediate actions are needed after events occur. In addition, governments must consider options for preventing or mitigating climate-related damage.

In recent years public access to coastal areas has declined steadily. Communities are under pressure to protect existing public access and create new facilities when possible.

Skyrocketing property values are complicating many of these issues. As waterfront properties increase in value, conflicts are inevitable.

Rapidly inflating property values can upend traditional patterns for residents and businesses. In some cases, businesses can no longer operate due to high operating costs. Businesses may also be impacted when workers are driven out of coastal communities by excessive housing costs.

Offshore renewable energy installations (OREIs) are another challenge facing coastal New England. An array of existing and planned OREI projects may affect coastal communities in a variety of ways.

Residents have presented a range of opinions concerning OREIs in New England.

Offshore wind proponents cite benefits including sustainable electricity, high quality employment opportunities, better infrastructure, and others.

Critics of offshore wind power projects have concerns about possible negative effects of wind turbines and associated equipment.

Recent Developments

In October 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) identified a Draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) in the Gulf of Maine, opening a 30-day public review and comment period. The Draft WEA covers approximately 3,519,067 acres offshore Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

In November 2023, the New Bedford Port Authority received $24 million through the Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for the Leonard’s Wharf Rehabilitation and Extension Project in the Port of New Bedford.

Leonard's Wharf has been identified in offshore wind industry studies and by offshore wind developers as a site that would greatly enhance New Bedford’s ability to stage offshore wind projects, as well as to serve as an operations and maintenance base.

In December 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) completed its environmental review of the proposed Sunrise Wind energy project, which is located approximately 16.4 nautical miles (nm) south of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., approximately 26.5 nm east of Montauk, N.Y., and 14.5 nm from Block Island, R.I. 

In December 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program announced the release of its "United States Marine Debris Emergency Response Guide."

In January 2024, the NOAA tide gauge at Bar Harbor, Maine observed its highest water level on record, reaching 4.33 feet above MHHW.

Related Information

New NOAA Facility on Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island

Coastal New England Facts

Coastal Connecticut Waterfront Experiences

New London Ledge Light | credit USCG

An incredible range of waterfront experiences can be found in Coastal Connecticut.

This article touches on a few of the state's most interesting destinations, including waterfront cities, historic towns, coastal resorts, beaches, seashores, and wild areas.

Connecticut is New England's southernmost state. Located on the western side of Long Island Sound, the coast of Connecticut is famous for its sandy beaches, scenic shorelines, and waterfront towns.

New London, Old Saybrook, New Haven, Bridgeport, Mystic, and other coastal communities are among the hundreds of possible destinations that are suitable for day trips, weekend getaways, and summer vacations.

Most Connecticut coastal towns are located within minutes of I-95, which provides travelers with reasonable access.

For northbound motorists, Greenwich is a good first stop off for food, shopping, and other needs. Nearby, Old Greenwich is known for its seaside views. At Greenwich Point, travelers can explore the park, public beaches, and Bruce Museum Seaside Center.

Norwalk is another coastal town with plenty of things to do. Oyster Shell Park has waterfront pedestrian paths with nautical works of art, harbor views along the Norwalk River, and educational exhibits. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk includes displays of fish, crustaceans, and other marine life.

At Norwalk Beach, a pier provides view of Long Island and access for saltwater fishing. The annual Norwalk Boat Show and Oyster Festivals are popular with locals and tourists.

Not far to the east is Sherwood Island State Park. The 235 acre includes beaches, access for saltwater fishing, picnic areas and a 9/11 memorial.

Near Madison, Hammonasset Beach State Park is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As Connecticut's largest shoreline park, it includes over two miles of sandy beaches on Long Island Sound.

Located along the Thames River, New London is one of Connecticut's oldest cities. Its waterfront area offers a variety of attractions and experiences. Ferry service from New London includes routes to Long Island and Block Island. Both ferry trips provide travelers with extensive views of Long Island Sound.

Further Reading

Connecticut Tourism Information

Maine Sea Grant Working Waterfront and Coastal Communities Promotion

Maine Sea Grant recently announced a competition to generate great ideas in support of Maine's working waterfront and coastal communities. Awards are available of up to $15,000.

Buoy Maine will focus on strengthening coastal/marine seafood and tourism related industries, highlighting the Maine Brand and experience, building resiliency, and helping Maine's coastal businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Partnerships are encouraged.

Any business or non-profit connected to the Maine seafood or tourism industries or the heritage of its fishing communities are eligible to apply.

The competition will consist of three phases:

Participants will pitch their ideas via the Buoy Maine Virtual Pitch Competition by September 14, 2020.

Applicants that advance to the Pitch at the Buoy Maine Pitch Competition in October will share their idea in a 5-minute pitch. A judges panel will evaluate pitches, and awardees will receive up to $15,000 to further develop their innovation over the next 6 months. Pitches that receive awards will be made public after the Pitch event.

At the Share at the Buoy Maine Finale, selected awardees will share the product or project at a virtual public celebration, including lessons learned, successes, challenges, and how their ideas may support others. The finale will also be a networking event with investors.

For more information, visit https://seagrant.umaine.edu/funding-opportunities/buoy-maine/

source: Maine Department of Marine Resources

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge 50th Anniversary

In 2020, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its renaming in honor of the world-renowned marine biologist, author, environmentalist and former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee, Rachel Carson.

The refuge's year-long celebration marks the formal dedication of the renaming, which took place on June 27, 1970. The 50th anniversary celebration will include an array of virtual and remote events.

During the 50th anniversary celebration, the refuge will be highlighting dozens of opportunities to explore its wealth of wildlife, habitat and natural resources, as well as Rachel Carson’s legacy.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1966 as the Coastal Maine National Wildlife Refuge, is comprised of 11 divisions, which span 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth.

Currently at 5,690 acres, the refuge will contain approximately 14,683 acres of various wildlife habitats when land acquisition is complete.

In addition to sheltering wildlife and protecting natural resources, Rachel Carson NWR offers a variety of experiences on public lands.

The refuge contains three main nature trails and many wildlife observation stations featuring every habitat type found on the refuge, hunting and fishing opportunities, interpretive and educational programs, a visitor information center, volunteering opportunities, and other recreational activities.

Anglers can access a variety of tidal fishing spots on the refuge. The fishing season is open year round for saltwater fishing to the head of tide.

Chauncey Creek, Brave Boat Tidal Creek, Ogunquit River, Stevens Brook, Webhannet River, Merriland River/Skinner Mill, Mousam River, Goosefare Brook, and Spurwink River were incorporated into the previous Refuge Fish Plan in 2000.

The 2020 Recreational Fishing Plan expands fishing opportunities available to the public by opening the Little River at Timber Point.

Rachel Carson was a world-renowned marine biologist, author and environmentalist who served as an aquatic biologist and editor-in-chief for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. She has been credited with launching the contemporary environmental movement and awakening the concern of Americans for the environment.

In her writings, Rachel Carson displayed a unique ability to simultaneously engage her own sense of wonder as well as that of her readers through eloquent prose and investigation of natural phenomena and biological processes. Her work helped connect people to nature and inspire environmental stewardship.

Carson regularly summered on Southport Island, where she studied its beach and tide pools to research The Edge of the Sea (1955). Through tireless investigation for her greatest work, Silent Spring (1962), she linked the unrestrained use of post-World War II chemical pesticides with fearsome, biological consequences.

Overcoming industry and government pressure to abandon her research, Carson alerted generations to use chemicals with utmost caution, warning that their improper use would have devastating effects on public health and the environment.

As fitting recognition of Carson’s contributions to conservation after her death in 1964, the refuge was renamed in her honor.

source: USFWS

2020 Icebreaking Season (Northeast)

USCG Tug Bollard | credit: USCG

The 2020 U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking season has begun, as winter’s cold temperatures are anticipated to impact ports, waterways, and harbors in the Northeast.

Each winter, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) conducts icebreaking efforts throughout coastal New England.

Icebreaking is often needed on the Merrimack River, Kennebec River, Connecticut River, Penobscot Bay, Boston Harbor, Cape Cod Bay, Buzzard's Bay, Narragansett Bay, Long Island Sound, and other waterways.

Operation Reliable Energy for Northeast Winters (OpRENEW) is the Coast Guard's region-wide effort to ensure Northeast communities have the security, supplies, energy, and emergency resources they need throughout the winter.

Of the heating oil used in the country, more than 85 percent is consumed in the Northeast, and 90 percent of that is delivered on a Coast Guard maintained waterway by ship.

The Coast Guard's domestic icebreaking operations are intended to facilitate navigation within reasonable demands of commerce and minimize waterways closures during the winter, while enabling commercial vessels to transit through ice-covered critical channels.

Coast Guard crews are also replacing aids to navigation with special ice buoys designed to ride underneath ice and remain on location.

A coordinated effort with the maritime industry ensures the vital ports of the Northeast remain open year-round.

source: U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast

Maritime Shows In New England 2020

Boston MA | credit: USCG

A number of shows, expos, and other events in New England will spotlight maritime issues such as fishing, seafood, boating, equipment, education, and much more. This post lists a few events that will be held in and around New England in 2020.

Rhode Island Boat Show
January 3 - 5, 2020
Rhode Island Convention Center
One Sabin Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
www.riboatshow.com

The RI Boat Show features all types of watercraft. Many dealers and exhibitors offer boat show specials and Rhode Island does not tax boat sales.

2020 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show
February 8 through February 16, 2020
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
415 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
www.newenglandboatshow.com

Now in its 65th year, the 2020 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, February 8-16, 2020. The New England Boat Show showcases more than 700 boats and watercraft, along with electronics, and other marine accessories.

45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum
March 5-7, 2020
Rockport, Maine
mainefishermensforum.org

The 45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held March 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2020 in Rockport, Maine. The Fishermen’s Forum hosts fishermen, gear suppliers, scientists, government, and other stakeholders. Each year the Forum provides three days of free seminars for fishermen covering a wide range of topics.

Offshore Wind Seminar
The public is invited to attend a one-day seminar on offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine. The seminar will be held on Thursday March 5 from 10:00-4:00 at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum.

For more information, visit www.mainefishermensforum.org

Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America
March 15-17, 2020
Boston, USA
www.seafoodexpo.com

In Boston, buyers and suppliers from around the world will meet, network and do business at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America.

The exposition is sponsored by the National Fisheries Institute. Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America is North America’s largest seafood exposition.

For more information, visit: www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america source: www.seafoodexpo.com

Please add a comment to suggest additional maritime events in 2020.