They are studying how low-level electrical impulses might be used to repel sharks from stealing the catch of commercial and recreational fishermen.
Penelope Overton
Staff Writer
Penny Overton is excited to be the Portland Press Heraldโs first climate reporter. Since joining the paper in 2016, she has written about Maineโs lobster and cannabis industries, covered state politics and spent a fellowship year exploring the impact of climate change on the lobster fishery with the Boston Globeโs Spotlight team. Before moving to Maine, she has covered politics, environment, casino gambling and tribal issues in Florida, Connecticut, and Arizona. Her favorite assignments allow her to introduce readers to unusual people, cultures, or subjects. When off the clock, Penny is usually getting lost in a new book at a local coffeehouse, watching foreign crime shows or planning her familyโs next adventure.
Erosion on Chebeague Island seen as warning to other coastal communities
Multiple sites are being monitored along Maine’s southern coast, but an intertidal nature preserve on Chebeague Island has changed most of all.
Housing, cost of living top of mind for Mainers in UNH poll
Hot-button issues like abortion and gun control have taken a back seat to the economic concerns that affect respondents’ lives on a daily basis.
Grants for Kennebago preservation project on hold over lack of public access
The Rangeley Heritage Land Trust will have two years to secure deeded public access or it will lose $1.7 million to protect thousands of acres along the Kennebago River.
Massive algae bloom in Gulf of Maine mystifies, worries scientists
Researchers say this kind of algae does not produce harmful toxins, but they worry its eventual die-off could lead to low oxygen levels that have preceded large fish and shellfish kills in other areas.
UMaine professor’s computer model tells the story of Earth’s changing climate
Recent news coverage of the planet’s record-breaking heat wave relied on the online climate visualization tool developed Sean Birkel, who is also the state climatologist.
Large turnout in Augusta for contentious hearing on clean car and truck mandate
More than 150 people gathered for the forum to argue about whether Maine should adopt California-style electric vehicle standards.
What has the Inflation Reduction Act done for Maine’s climate so far?
The biggest benefits provided to Mainers by the landmark law so far are the federal electric vehicle and heat pump tax credits that became available in January.
Maine’s salt marshes play key role in fight against climate change, new report says
The state has at least 84 square miles of blue carbon reservoirs, which store at least 1.7 million tons of carbon in the soil and vegetation. That much carbon is equal to the annual emissions of 1.25 million passenger cars.
Opponents of Maine law expanding abortion access won’t try to overturn it at ballot box
Wednesday was the deadline for initiating a so-called people’s veto initiative. Opponents say they will instead focus on electing anti-abortion lawmakers in 2024.