Opinion: With aquaculture booming, it’s time to talk about its future in Maine

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 13, 2021

Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation is supporting L.D. 1146. The foundation has been advocating for two years to examine the way the state is conducting oversight on in-water aquaculture leases, which are approved almost every time. As the president of the foundation, I was surprised when a bill last session suggested doing a study on in-water aquaculture, but it was quickly shot down by the aquaculture lobby. The last comprehensive study was 15 years ago. The business of aquaculture has grown significantly in the last five years and the waters are a public trust. Why is there so much pushback on reviewing oversight practices over an aquaculture industry that is growing so quickly and impacts Maine’s coast? Marine Resources has a responsibility to conduct a bigger discussion around the future of the Maine coast. What’s so wrong with a conversation involving all stakeholders? ~ Rock Alley, Jonesport Beals