Last summer, an algae bloom cost clammers hundreds of thousands of dollars in Maquoit Bay in Brunswick.
Residents are asking questions about the largest industrial aquaculture lease in Cumberland County involving the 34 acre Mere Point Oyster lease. Residents have turned in over 100 signatures to the town council requesting testing specifically around the industrial aquaculture site to confirm if it is or is not part of what caused the bloom. You would think that any oyster company would be eager and willing to test the area around their site.
Residents have taken their concerns to Brunswick town hall. They attend council meetings and have met separately with the town manager. It is clear this continues to be an uphill battle.
The request for proposal (RFP) regarding water quality testing has not a single word in it about aquaculture. After citizens refused to give up, a meeting on Wednesday forced the issue back to the table on the RFP.
The pictures below show what is washing up on the shores.
We will continue our work to protect the environment and ensure that everyone can work, enjoy, and make a living along the coast of Maine.
We can’t do this work without your support. Please consider donating this week.