Maine
Maine's Great White Sharks And What We Know So Far
New research reveals that over the past 13 years, more than 100 great white sharks have been … More
Over the past 13 years, great white sharks have increasingly made their presence known off Maine’s coast. More than 100 individual sharks have been detected, with the majority of sightings occurring in recent years and notably in shallow waters. This shift in behavior has prompted researchers to dive deeper into understanding what these sharks are doing in Maine’s waters, and their latest findings have just been published in Frontiers in Marine Science. The research is the result of collaboration between the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, and several other organizations.
“We are excited to have this study published and continue to expand our understanding of white sharks in the western North Atlantic and the coastal waters in Maine,” said Matt Davis, the lead author of the study and a scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources. “This work could not have been done without the collaboration of many researchers and organizations, and we thank everyone involved.”
This study is particularly significant because it marks the first time that researchers have been able to track the movements of white sharks over time in the region. The effort started in 2020, following a tragic event when a swimmer was killed by a white shark off the coast of Harpswell, marking Maine’s first recorded fatal shark bite. In response to this incident, officials at the Maine DMR worked closely with other groups to expand the study of white sharks and their behavior in Maine’s coastal waters. The team used an array of receivers placed along Maine’s coastline, from York and Ogunquit to Kennebunk and Reid State Park. These receivers were designed to detect sharks that had been tagged off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
“We are excited to have this study published and continue to expand our understanding of white … More
With the data collected over the years, researchers were able to develop a clearer picture of the sharks’ movements and behavior patterns in the area. The findings show that these sharks are spending time in waters less than 50 meters (164 feet) deep off Maine, with peak sightings occurring between July and September; this aligns with previous observations of white sharks using similar habitats in other regions. But what stands out in this recent study is how often these sharks are detected during daylight hours. Half of the shark detections occurred during the day, a time when beaches are typically busy with human activity. This was particularly true along areas like Ogunquit, Kennebunk, and Head Beach in Phippsburg, which had some of the highest numbers of shark detections.
Despite the uptick in shark sightings, the team also found that the frequency of white shark detections along Maine’s beaches was still relatively low compared to other regions where these sharks are known to frequent. For example, areas off Cape Cod, which has long been known as a hotspot for white sharks, saw far more frequent detections. The team emphasized that while the presence of sharks in Maine waters is notable, there is no reason to believe that humans are at significant risk. While sharks are often feared, they are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, playing an important role in regulating the populations of other marine species. Their presence in Maine’s waters suggests a healthy marine environment, which could be beneficial for the overall ecosystem.
The scientists hope the findings of this study will help inform future management strategies in Maine. By understanding where and when white sharks are most likely to be detected, researchers and policymakers can better communicate with the public about how to safely enjoy Maine’s beaches without unnecessary fear. As Maine continues to see more shark detections in its waters, studies like this will be crucial in ensuring that shark conservation efforts continue while also keeping human safety a priority.
PORTLAND (WGME) – The race to represent the Democratic Party in the quest for the Blaine House remains incredibly close as the votes roll in Tuesday night.
Dr. Nirav Shah holds a slight lead over the rest of the field, but he may not stay there.
If no one gets to 50 percent of the vote, plus one vote, the race will go to ranked choice, and polls have suggested that former House Speaker Hannah Pingree could be a strong contender there.
Democratic candidate for governor Hannah Pingree (WGME)
She says she feels that way after going to hundreds of town halls and forums across the state and listening to the concerns of Maine families who are struggling in this economy.
She spoke to supporters at her watch party Tuesday night.
“Maine people are worried about what’s happening in this state and in this country. They’re worried about the rights that they might lose. And they want a governor who is tough,” Pingree said. “People are struggling right now. With the cost of housing, healthcare, childcare, energy, property taxes, you all know these things.”
“I think it’s going to be a huge year for Democrats,” Maine Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows said. “We saw Democrats running out of primary ballots in Yarmouth, in Portland, multiple times. Clerks having to rush new ballots into the polling place. That’s a great sign when you see a record turnout like that.”
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (WGME)
Shah, members of his team, and voters celebrated what they call a successful campaign Tuesday night.
He thanked the hundred or so supporters in attendance who have helped him get to Tuesday.
Shah says there are several pressing issues facing Maine, including affordability, the housing crisis and healthcare.
He hopes to be the man to tackle these issues head-on.
Shah told voters not to expect a final result Tuesday night.
While Shah expects the election to come down to rank choice voting, he insists this is only the beginning of his campaign.
“People in Maine have seen me show up, particularly during difficult times, and that is more relevant now than it ever has been,” Shah said. “This campaign is just getting started, and we are not going to stop until Election Day.”
Shah’s campaign says if he’s elected as governor in November, he would be first South Asian Democratic governor in United States history.
It is doubtful that any of the Democrats or Republicans running for governor will get more than 50 percent of the vote Tuesday night.
Mainers likely won’t know who will win the primary in the governor’s race until sometime next week.
Central Maine Power customers will see some relief in electric costs this summer after state utility regulators approved new distribution rates for the company.
The new prices reflect CMP’s revenue needs after the company paid more than a $100 million spent to recover from damaging winter storms in 2023 and 2024.
Households using an average of 550 kilowatt hours a month should save about $8.55 on their bills, according to the Maine Public Utilities Commission. The new prices go into effect July 1.
Commissioners also rejected CMP’s request to delay enacting new distribution prices while the agency considers the company’s separate rate case.
“It is uncertain when temporary rates may be approved or at what amount, but at a time when customers are struggling with high costs across the economy I cannot support a delay in rate relief,” said Commission Chair Phil Bartlett.
Electric prices in Maine have soared in recent years, because of expensive storm recovery, volatile natural gas prices and financial incentives for a community solar farm program, among other factors.
Maine Public Advocate Heather Sanborn said the rate reduction was welcome for electric customers dealing with high costs.
Sanborn said the commission’s decision to pay off a $20 million “storm recovery balance.” The account is basically money loaned to ratepayer by CMP that is owed to the company with carrying costs of about $140,000 per month, according to the PUC.
“That is a lot of interest every year that we have been paying,” Sanborn said.
Central Maine Power has submitted a proposal for new rates that would raise prices about $18 a month, according to the PUC.
In its rate proposal, CMP said it needs more revenue to help harden its infrastructure to future storms, improve reliability and hire full time staff to avoid hiring expensive contractors.
Even though the company is asking for higher rates, it says the package will amount to a slight decrease for customers because it has repaid storm recovery.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the rate adjustment approved by the PUC.
Outdoors
The BDN outdoors section brings readers into the woods, waters and wild places of Maine. It features stories on hunting, fishing, wildlife, conservation and recreation, told by people who live these experiences. This section emphasizes hands-on knowledge, field reports, issues, trends and the traditions that define life outside in Maine. Read more Outdoors stories here.
The weeks after ice-out are prime time for trout and salmon fishing in Maine.
While many anglers rely on live smelts, tandem streamer flies or classic lures like DB Smelts and Mooselook Wobblers, several Maine companies are producing lures that catch plenty of fish of their own.
I reached out to four Maine lure makers and asked them to send me their best catches from the last month, along with the lure that caught them.
Here’s what they sent.
Pine State Sports Supply
Owned by Justin Blouin and based in Lisbon, Pine State Sports Supply was founded in 2023. The company offers several styles of spoons and plugs designed to imitate smelt, dace, shiners, alewives and other baitfish. All trolling spoons are made by hand.
The Harry Lure
The Harry Lure is owned by Adam Bergeron. Founded by Harry Ellison, the lure was developed on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Bergeron moved the company to Kennebunk and began stamping lures there in March 2024. Unlike traditional concave spoons, the flat lure is designed to swing side to side and flash light as it moves through the water.
Northeast Troller
Founded by Christian Carlson in 2016, Northeast Troller produces custom trolling and casting spoons from its shop in Thorndike. Carlson, who is also a taxidermist, began making spoons as a passion project and thank-you gift for his clients. The spoons are CAD-designed, painted and assembled in Thorndike, and tested on the water before production.
Dream Catcher Lures
Dream Catcher Lures are made by Jesse Dicker in Lincoln. Established in 2020, the company produces a variety of lures for salmon, lake trout and other species.
Its lineup includes a smelt series, trout casting and trolling spoons, dodgers, jerkbaits, bass poppers, jigs and worm-bait rigs.
Earlier this spring, Registered Maine Guides Jake Rackliff and Adam Bergeron landed a 10-pound rainbow trout on a Dream Catcher Lures Solid Pink UV.
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