Down East Magazine, March 2026

Features Lost World An underwater mountain range provides a rare view into the past, when the Gulf of Maine was teeming with life. Its future is up in the air.  By Susan Hand Shetterly Photographed by Brian Skerry Come Sail Away Down East staff photographer Dave Waddell embarks on a six-day cruise to find out what life is like aboard one of Maine's historic schooners. Out of the Blue Jumping into the wild world of bluefin tuna, with the scientists who help sustain the fishery and the fishermen who help sustain the science. By Charlie Pike Photographed by Ryan David Brown Where in Maine Dooryard North by East Taking the Plunge At an Edgecomb oyster farm, winter diving is worth the leap.  Maine Moment Net Benefit A new cookbook takes a deep dive into sustainable seafood. Splendor in the Grass A salt marsh provides a painter with inspiration - and art supplies. An Island Unto Himself Alone, but not at sea, on an offshore compound. Story Land An exhibit sketches out the career of a beloved children's-book illustrator.  Quite a Pickle Adventurous eating at a spot named after a preserved seafood snack. Maine Dispatches Room With a View At home in the space in between. My Favorite Place Bigelow Laboratory Ocean Sciences president Deborah Bronk, on the lab's dock. ON THE COVER Buoyed up off Kittery Point. Photo by Nick LaVecchia.