PMFHF Calls on the State to do the Right Thing Around the Future of the Maine Coast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 20, 2021

(Portland, Maine) Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation (PMFHF) has once again given the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) an opportunity to protect the Maine coast for all of those who live, work, and recreate on the water. On July 01, 2021, Protect Maine submitted 170 certified signatures for a rulemaking petition that calls on the state to revisit the rules and regulations that are setting the table for industrial-scale aquaculture similar to the American Aquafarms project in Frenchman Bay at the foot of Acadia National Park. DMR has 60 days to respond to the petition.

Specifically, the rulemaking petition states:

The proposed new rule would require the commissioner to investigate aquaculture leasing conditions affecting marine resources by adopting rules to form a task force to study the status and future sustainability of aquaculture in Maine including whether the current statutes and rules are inadequate to address growing concerns and in-water conflict with lobstermen, fishermen, and those who recreate on the water. 

The task force would consider at least the following concerns: 

  • Whether the 1,000-acre aggregate lease acreage for aquaculture leases established by DMR Rule ch. 2 § 2.12(3) should be reduced

  • Whether to recommend a statutory change to 12 M.R.S. § 6072(12-A) to make aquaculture leases nontransferable so that they revert back to the state as do lobster licenses

  • Whether additional siting requirements and evidentiary showings should be imposed by Rule for leases within national parks, landmarks, and areas of ecological significance 

  • Whether 20-year lease terms are too long to hold a piece of Maine’s ocean, and the Department should by Rule impose a shorter lease term consistent with 12 M.R.S. § 6072(A).

  • Whether the statutory term “unreasonable interference” in approving leases should be more specifically defined by rule to a more objective, less subjective standard. 

PMFHF Executive Director Crystal Canney said, “Lobstermen and women along with some small aquaculturists, and people who recreate on the water are concerned about the future of the Maine coast and the attraction of large out of country companies that have the potential to take over Maine waters.  On two separate occasions we have submitted rulemaking petitions to allow DMR to do the right thing and have a statewide conversation with all stakeholders at the table not just those who are making money off industrial scale aquaculture.  Protect Maine has also put together a statewide conversation document for DMR, at DMR’s request, to work with going forward.  We truly hope that DMR will work with this rulemaking petition and use it as a guide to do what is right for Maine. It’s time look at how Maine is planning for the future of its coastline.”