Tag Archives: Cundy’s Harbor
Once a form of currency, quahogs remain a steady source of cash
Quahogs have long been associated with money and wealth. “Quahog” comes from an Algonquian word for hard clam, but its scientific name is Mercenaria mercenaria, from the Latin for wages. In response to the scarcity of soft-shell clams, local harvesters have shifted their efforts to quahogs. From 2011-2015, the quahog harvest in Harpswell ranged from about 5,000 to 60,000 pounds. By 2023, the quahog harvest in Harpswell had skyrocketed to 458,000 pounds. In that period, the value of quahog landings also grew, from about $80,000 in 2015 to nearly $900,000. By contrast, the value of Harpswell’s soft-shell landings in 2023 was $384,000. Clearly, for Harpswell’s diggers, quahogs are now where the money is. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 16:40
Civically engaged lobsterman aims for Select Board seat
Cundy’s Harbor lobsterman Matthew “Matt” Gilley has become a regular presence at the Harpswell Town Office, and he hopes to become even more of a fixture by winning a three-year term on the Select Board. Gilley, who already serves on multiple boards and committees, is the only candidate running to replace Jane Covey, who chose not to seek a third term. The 40-year-old said he’d like to inject some new blood into the board and serve the broad interests of all residents, including lobstermen. A lifelong Harpswell resident, Gilley serves on the local Harbor and Waterfront Committee, Aquaculture Working Group, and Comprehensive Plan Task Force, and is an associate member of the Planning Board. He also serves on the state’s Lobster Advisory Council and represents Cundy’s Harbor on the regional Lobster Zone Council. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:55
Tuna buyer puts his faith and his base in Cundy’s Harbor
Seth Richards, tuna buyer, is back where he got his start, at Holbrook’s Wharf in Cundy’s Harbor. More than three decades ago, as a teenager, he got a job buying sea urchins for Maguro America. The urchins he acquired were processed at Holbrook’s Wharf. “There was a big urchin boom” at the time, Richards said. His work involved meeting boats in harbors such as Mackerel Cove and Cundy’s Harbor. He would help unload the urchin boats and then transport the catch to Holbrook’s. “Right here at Holbrook’s,” he recalled, while standing on the wharf that is now home to his new business. “We would bring them here for processing. This was the main place.” >click to read< 07:47
Family business, way of life ‘under attack’ for Cundy’s Harbor wharf
Gary and Alison Hawkes finalized their purchase of Hawkes’ Lobster from Gary’s parents on May 1. His mother’s aunt and uncle bought the business in the 1950s, and his grandparents bought it from them. Then his parents, Sue and Gary, took over and his father built the wharf in 1990. Early Wednesday afternoon, Alison and “young” Gary stood on the eerily quiet dock as two of their teenagers walked by carrying fishing rods over their shoulders. They sped off in a dinghy to see what they could catch. Both also hold student lobstering licenses, Gary said. But on Wednesday, the boats remained tied up under the late spring sun—all but Gary’s father’s boat. His dad headed out that morning to haul traps, knowing he might not earn back the cost of his gas and bait. Video, >click to read< 09:59
