MAINE MONITOR • November 4, 2026
An animal rights group has petitioned the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to establish new rules improving the welfare of farmed salmon in aquaculture operations. Animal Outlook, a Washington-based animal welfare nonprofit, launched the petition drive. Ben Williamson, Animal Outlook’s executive director, said the group took action after conducting two investigations into conditions at Cooke Aquaculture USA’s Bingham hatchery. Cooke Aquaculture USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Cooke Inc., holds 24 active permits covering 620 acres of Maine waters. It is by far the state’s largest finfish aquaculture operation.