Industrial aquaculture or bust? There’s a third, better option for Maine (“Lobsters are Vanishing. Can a Maine Way of Life Endure?” July 25). This story erroneously suggests that the state must either transfer public wealth — the ocean commons — to the aquaculture industry, or let its economy crumble. When environmental and social health are pitted against economic growth, with money as the only metric, profiteers win. In reality, environmental and cultural vitality should be part of a healthy economy. As a fisherman, I know we can invest in local fishing businesses that can preserve our waters, bolster our economy, and feed our culture. Maine must prioritize purchasing locally-sourced seafood, eliminate transferable aquaculture leases that effectively privatize public wealth, and put decision-making power in the hands of the communities whose cultures and economies will be most impacted.
Paul Molyneaux
Whiting, Maine