More than 140 people filled Harbor Theater last Saturday for the free screening of “Lobster War,” a documentary made by David Abel, the environmental reporter for The Boston Globe.

The film focused on the battle between Maine and Canadian lobstermen over fishing rights in the “gray zone” between Grand Manan Island and Machias Seal Island. The dispute over those waters has been going on since the end of the Revolutionary War, but only recently became more vocal as warming waters in the Gulf of Maine have moved lobsters from southern New England to the Bay of Fundy, causing stiffer competition between lobstermen from both sides of the border.

Dr. Nick Record, a climate change expert and senior research scientist at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, introduced the film and stayed about 30 minutes afterwards for a number of specific questions about climate change along our coast. Because colder water from the Arctic current meets the warmer Gulf Stream off the coast of Maine, Record explained, Maine waters are changing sooner and faster than anywhere else in the ocean. How fast lobsters will keep moving further north seeking cooler water depends on how fast and how soon humans do something to halt climate change, he said. The audience very much appreciated his expertise.

Before the film, the audience enjoyed lobster bisque, wine, cheese and Chai tea from Eventide Specialties in Boothbay Harbor. We are grateful to Kim Martin, owner of the gourmet store, who has been a special friend of the Harbor Theater, often providing free refreshments for the newly-formed non-profit.

The free event is one of several planned throughout the year to entertain, challenge and inspire members of the community to learn something new from a film experience.

Harbor Theater became a non-profit in October 2017. Its mission is to present first run, independent, art and documentary films, as well as special events with speakers or filmmakers to help sustain the theater as a community asset. There are more than 300 members, many of whom are also donors, actively supporting the theater. Check out our new member and donor plaques in the lobby.

And please note our new and updated sound system. We owe a big debt of gratitude to Harbor Theater Board Member Robert Jordan and BRCTV CEO Cody Mitchell, who donated many, many hours and much talent to creating better sound in the theater. Hope you enjoy it!