Decisions made today will shape Maine’s coast for decades to come. In this episode of Rising Tides, Bill Perna speaks with Bill Mook about how science, regulation, and long-term thinking influence the future of the working waterfront.

Bill Mook reflects on the role of research and governance in managing coastal change, from aquaculture development to broader environmental pressures in the Gulf of Maine. Their conversation explores how evidence, public process, and collaboration help guide difficult choices, and why patience and perspective matter when balancing growth, conservation, and community needs.

Perna Content's Rising Tides explores how coastal Maine is adapting to environmental, economic, and cultural change through long-form conversations with people working on and alongside the water. New episodes are released fortnightly.

The podcast accompanies the book Rising Tides: Adapting to Maine’s Coastal Future, available at www.pernacontent.com/publishing

Maine’s coastal future is being shaped by people adapting in real time. In this opening episode of Rising Tides, Bill Perna speaks with oyster farmer Jeff Auger about the forces reshaping the working waterfront.

Jeff reflects on his path into aquaculture and the realities of building a livelihood on the water today. Together, they discuss cooperation between fishermen, farmers, regulators, and coastal communities, and how environmental change, access, and local knowledge increasingly shape everyday decisions along Maine’s coast.

Perna Content's Rising Tides explores how coastal Maine is adapting to environmental, economic, and cultural change through long-form conversations with people working on and alongside the water. New episodes are released fortnightly.

The podcast accompanies the book Rising Tides: Adapting to Maine’s Coastal Future, available at www.pernacontent.com/publishing

Eric Oransky grew up in Freeport, Maine. He spent a lot of time on Casco Bay. When he was 21, he apprenticed with the Scottish master cabinet maker James Bowie for furniture making in northern California. In 2007, at 23, Eric moved back to Maine and started his first business, all the while spending time on the water any chance he got. He focused on woodworking, including furniture, and building for about seven years. He found he missed working on the water. So, in 2017 he formed Maine Ocean Farms with his two partners, Willy Leathers and Tom Klondenski.

Perna Content's Rising Tides explores how coastal Maine is adapting to environmental, economic, and cultural change through long-form conversations with people working on and alongside the water. New episodes are released fortnightly.

The podcast accompanies the book Rising Tides: Adapting to Maine’s Coastal Future, available at www.pernacontent.com/publishing