January 11, 2021
Good Monday,
Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation is working on legislation to protect Maine’s waters for the heritage fisheries and those who recreate on the water. As many of you know, aquaculture leases of up to 1,000 acres can be held by an individual, business or corporation. Leases are still being approved at rate of 95%. At the heart of all of this is the indisputable fact that the ocean is a public resource in public trust and one industry should not, through its lobbying efforts, control this public trust. When the bill has a number we will forward it to you.
(From Gouldsboro)
In Gouldsboro, at the foot of Acadia National Park, two leases have been making headlines. American Aquafarms is looking to put in-water salmon pens totaling more than 100 acres in areas identified as being rich with lobster.
To learn more:
American Aquafarms has not submitted a formal application. However, it is expected and a number of organizations including PMFHF will not support this lease.
(From Downeast Maine)
Cooke Aquaculture has the largest amount of in-water salmon pens in the state. We are watching the development here closely as the attorney general’s office is negotiating a second consent decree regarding alleged violations.
(From Cumberland County)
Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation made a $2,000 donation to the families of the Emmy Rose, the fishing boat that went down off Provincetown. We were pleased to be able to provide those funds and we are keeping those families in our thoughts.
Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation will have a significant announcement at the end of January which we can’t wait to share with you.