2023
We have now crossed the threshold into 2023, and as we move forward there is much work to be done around industrial scale aquaculture.
Last week, this article appeared in the Quietside Journal and it highlights how the state is pushing forward on industrial scale aquaculture often without any knowledge of the towns where it might be sighted. It’s a great piece and worth the read.
Moratorium & Ordinance
PMFHF’s emphasis in 2022 was rolling out emergency moratoriums regarding the rapid growth of industrial scale aquaculture along Maine’s coast. We’ve had significant success with this program, which includes seven communities passing moratoriums. Now they are working on their own town ordinances, with one town completing the process. We will be rolling out this proposal throughout the coast of Maine in 2023.
Read More - BDN Article
As with everything, there is endless spin from those who oppose any regulations or changes to aquaculture. The Department of Marine Resources is claiming communities have no power to invoke their own ordinances, attempting to completely dismiss home rule in Maine. Fortunately, we have the law on our side. You can read the details of why in the legal brief below.
Emergency moratorium here.
Proposed ordinance here.
If you would like to support our continued efforts to protect all of Maine’s fishing, please consider a charitable tax-exempt donation today.
Support for Small-Scale Aquaculture
We see die-off of the ocean floor and algae blooms arising in and around large-scale settings. Regardless of what’s growing in the water, when it’s too large and too densely packed, problems arise. A number of clammers have come forward recently regarding the impact large scale leases are having on clam flats they have been fishing for years. Meanwhile, we are working to help independent owner operators maintain their livelihood.
Listen to this Brunswick Clammer.
Fortunately, a number of small aquaculturists see the wisdom in limiting the size of their leases in an effort to protect the ocean for lobstermen, fishermen and those who recreate on the water and must co-exist alongside them. We are working to support their efforts.
If you want us to support small aquaculturists, donate now.
Partners
Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation is a founding member of Frenchman Bay United. Concerns around a finfish aquaculture proposal in Frenchman Bay are heating up again, with a potential new proposal coming in the new year from American Aquafarms for in-water finfish.
Friends of Acadia and the Natural Resources Council of Maine honored Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage as part of the Frenchman Bay United coalition for the work on opposing the American Aquafarms development this year.
We have learned from other countries and states - Argentina, and, in the U.S., Washington, California, and Oregon. They have developed outright bans on in water finfish.
We have joined an international group, Global Salmon Resistance, that shares concerns around industrial scale aquaculture. The group spans many countries.
Protect Maine, along with many other organizations, continues to raise concerns around what is happening in our waters. As our members know, there was a die off at Black Island in 2021. Still, the Department of Marine Resources granted a 20 year renewal to Cooke Aquaculture. The cause of the die-off was low oxygen, most likely due to pens that weren’t cleaned (image below). We ask the obvious though still unanswered question - with bans worldwide happening, why is Maine so eager to approve these leases?
While Protect Maine deals with in water aquaculture, we are very concerned about the right whale issue and have offered support to organizations who have the legal standing in this battle. If you follow the science, Maine lobstermen and women are not killing right whales, but they are taking the brunt of that burden with closures. The importance of the Maine lobster industry cannot be stated loudly or clearly enough.
To everyone in the lobstering industry - we stand with you on this issue.
With Humility and Gratitude, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated to this important work in 2022.
Protect Maine wishes you and your family all the best in 2023.
Sincerely,
Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage Foundation
P.S. Photo Contest
Protect Maine's Fishing Heritage Foundation wants to see your fishing photos! Submit up to five photos of you fishing, your boat, your waterfront, your haul...anything related to coastal fishing in Maine. Your name will be entered to win a Protect Maine's Fishing Heritage Foundation hat for each photo you submit. (Limit: 5)