The 2019 Island Journal explores the threats posed by rising seas in Maine, the Florida Keys, and elsewhere in the U.S., while also continuing its tradition of bringing the wonders of Maine island and coastal life and culture to life with essays, profiles, fiction, poetry, and art.

Profiles include Cutler's Kristan Porter, the head of the Maine Lobstermen's Association; Katelyn Damon, who keeps Islesford's emergency services efforts current; and Cheryl Crowley, whose volunteer efforts on Cliff Island span decades. Gotts Island summer resident Christina Gillis writes about the historical mystery triggered by finding an old shoe hidden in the wall of her house, and novelist Jon Keller recounts efforts to save the smelt run on on a Downeast river. Art offerings include paintings inspired by the survivors of Malaga Island, and an installation of sorts showing how rising seas will impact islands in Scotland.