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.”
Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation calls for changes to regulations that encourage industrialized aquaculture
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.”
Concerned Citizens Announce Statewide Effort to Protect Maine’s Traditional Fishing Heritage
(Portland, Maine) — A group of citizens who have been working to ensure continued access to Maine’s oceans has formed a new coalition Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage. The group has been active in advocating for lobstermen who are losing acres of fishing grounds to aquaculture leases in some parts of the state. The organization also supports Maine residents who are concerned about losing access to the ocean for recreational usage.
Lobstermen under industry pressure from all angles, call for the preservation of coastal communities and their livelihood
Stonington, ME – Lobstermen from Machias to Boothbay Harbor rallied on the Stonington Commercial Fish Pier to draw greater attention to the issues facing the survival of their industry and the livelihoods of coastal Maine communities.
Lobsterman Julie Eaton led off the day saying, “NOAA knows that not one Right Whale has been proven to have been entangled in Maine rope in many years and the new proposed regulations would only cause extreme danger to our lobstermen. We are the first line of protection to the marine mammals of all types and had much rather work on sensible solutions that work for everyone. Between the proposed new regulations for the Right Whale, a bait shortage and the threat of aquacultures leases that could allow a single person sole use of 1000 acres of our fishing grounds, these are dark times for Maine’s lobstermen. We are hoping that our state and federal politicians will hear our plea and stand by us and our coastal communities.”