Originally published in the Harpswell Anchor.

A new guide to the Harpswell waterfront aims to educate both current residents and newcomers about the community they share.

“Scuttlebutt: How to Live & Work in a Waterfront Community” is a collaborative effort among the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, Cundy’s Harbor Library, Harpswell Anchor, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust and Holbrook Community Foundation.

“Sustaining Maine’s fishing communities for future generations is a critical part of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association’s mission,” said Monique Coombs, director of community programs for the association. “Working with community partners and sharing information about Maine’s working waterfront and commercial fishing are an integral part of that work. MCFA was pleased to collaborate on publishing this guide for Harpswell and hopes that it might serve as a model for other communities.”

“Scuttlebutt” includes facts about Harpswell fisheries, advice for homeowners to protect the coastal environment, tips for cooking local seafood, and information about preserving access for future generations to work on the waterfront, along with other resources. The title of the guide speaks to its intention to provide insider information, or “scuttlebutt,” in order to foster a sense of community and shared values.

“‘Scuttlebutt’ is a great resource for those new to Harpswell so they can get to know and understand our local community,” HHLT Executive Director Julia McLeod said.

The guide was created following a series of panel presentations held in fall 2021 and spring 2022, “Living and Working in a Waterfront Community: A Conversation Series.” These presentations aimed to create a dialogue in the community. Topics included the seasonality of fisheries, fishing through the generations, access to the waterfront, and etiquette on the water.

The panel presentations were recorded and accompanied by articles in the Harpswell Anchor. The articles and recordings are available on HHLT’s website. Go to hhltmaine.org and click on “Working Waterfront” in the drop-down menu under “Resources.”

“We are committed to continuing conversations and providing resources like this guide that bring us together across our islands and harbors,” said Heather Logan, director of the Cundy’s Harbor Library.

Copies of “Scuttlebutt” will be available at the Cundy’s Harbor Library, the HHLT office, the Harpswell Town Office, and online, at mainecoastfishermen.org/working-waterfront. To learn more about the guide, contact Coombs at monique@mainecoastfishermen.org.