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Salmon farm sparks opposition

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Besides Friends of Frenchman Bay, Portland-based Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation also is opposing the Frenchman Bay venture. The coalition works with lobstermen and small aquaculturists to protect coastal Maine from industrialized aquaculture.

Under current state regulations, the group’s executive director, Crystal Canney, warns American Aquafarms potentially could expand its proposed leases from 110 to 1,000 acres. In a related move, Rep. Robert Alley (D-Beals) has drafted legislation that would cap the total size of any one aquaculture application and prohibit the transfer of leases without public hearings.

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Plan for salmon farm Down East prompts call for review of state licensing rules

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Originally published in the Portland Press Herald

Some believe that Maine's process for approving in-water aquaculture is too permissive, and that such operations could overtake the coastline.

Recent pushback surrounding a proposed in-water salmon farm in Frenchman Bay has fueled the efforts of a group advocating for changes to the state’s aquaculture regulations.

Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage is calling for the Maine Department of Marine Resources to not only reject an as-of-yet unfiled proposal for a roughly 110-acre penned salmon fishery, but also revise the rules governing how such projects get approved. The group argues that without proper regulatory constraints, the state’s fast-growing aquaculture industry could disrupt traditional fishing activity and overtake the coast with large, industrial fish farm operations.

Former Director of Maine’s Aquaculture Division joins PMFHF citing multiple concerns including a lack of a state plan for aquaculture

Executive Director Crystal Canney said, “We are very pleased Jon has joined this effort. We have heard these same concerns expressed by lobstermen and communities up and down the coast of Maine. We are now hearing from small aquaculturists who believe large, industrialized leases could infringe on the small businesses they own and operate. Maine’s coast is a treasure and we should remember there are those who work, make a living and recreate on the ocean. The ocean belongs to everyone and should not be put in the hands of a few.”

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Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation calls for changes to regulations that encourage industrialized aquaculture

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Crystal Canney, Executive Director of PMFHF said, “PMFHF has spoken to both supporters of the project and state regulators and it’s clear American Aquafarms intends to file an application. We have heard over and over again that the identified area in Gouldsboro is heavily fished by lobstermen. The two leases total more than 100 acres but under our current state regulations those leases have the potential to grow to 1,000 acres. PMFHF supports legislation that will work to reduce acreage, looks at how easy it is to transfer a lease to an individual, business or corporation and the increasing conflict between proposed in-water aquaculture projects and all those who live, work and recreate along Maine’s coast. PMFHF is calling for a plan to look at Maine’s coast.”