I would like to take a moment and thank Protect Maine for being there for Maine fisherman. As an example, one fishing industry (clamming), runs very low on resources and even lacks a communication platform. Protect Maine has filled that gap for us.  From their position on aquaculture to backing shellfish towns on their quest to survive, they have helped the Maine fishing industries beyond words.  Thank you for caring and giving a damn about us…ALL OF US.

“Any loss of bottom to the lobsterman is very, very significant. The more they lease our ocean and our bottom, the less area that we have to fish for lobsters so it’s going to have an impact on every fisherman. With no restrictions on aquaculture leases the future of lobstering is going to be pinched.”

“My interest is keeping towns in charge of their resources and having the ability to govern what occurs in their own communities. I am a strong believer in Home-rule, as is written in the state constitution.”

Protect Maine is trying to ensure that the playing field is level for everyone and is fighting hard against industrial-scale aquaculture....Protect Maine supports small aquaculturists.

“We are not against aquaculture, but against the ways they go about getting applications verified and approved.”

“I could give you 10 good examples of how aquaculture has impacted the lobstering industry. But what bothers me most is how leases can be sold. Maine is literally giving away the ocean in these leases…And that's what we are doing in Maine right, now selling the ocean. Selling parts of the ocean, for very little, out from under the commercial fishing industry.”

“One person owns that lease and they benefit from it…once those leases are there, they own that water so it puts us all in a bad spot.”

“It’s time for thoughtful reconsideration of the rules to protect one of Maine’s largest industries – the lobstering industry.”