March 1, 2024

Maine, US aquaculture lease processing bill sparks controversy among fishermen

The Department of Marine Resources in Maine, US, has proposed a bill aimed at streamlining the processing of aquaculture leases, sparking debate among fishermen and community groups across the state, National Fishermen reported.

Introduced as Bill LD 2065 and sponsored by Rep. Alison Hepler of district 49, the proposed legislation seeks to decrease the number of required public notices for aquaculture leases or lease changes from two to one.

Additionally, it raises the threshold for requesting a public hearing on an aquaculture lease from five to 25 individuals. The bill also aims to simplify the process of converting an experimental lease into a standard one.

Critics of the bill, including Crystal Canney, executive director of the Protect Maine's Fishing Heritage Foundation, argued that these changes restrict public involvement in the leasing process of public waters.

Canney said that the bill expedites aquaculture leases and complicates public participation, particularly by allowing a 3-year experimental lease to automatically become a 20-year lease unless 25 people request a hearing.

Canney further pointed out the state's failure to adequately review aquaculture sites annually, citing a shortfall in monitoring limited-purpose leases and standard leases. She attributed this to turnover within the Department of Marine Resources, resulting in less experienced staff for lease reviews.

During a hearing on the bill, Dierdre Gilbert, a long-standing member of the DMR, defended the legislation, stating that it aims to increase efficiency. Gilbert argued that multiple newspaper notices are costly and may not effectively increase public awareness of proceedings. She also supported the change requiring 25 people to demand a hearing, albeit noting the DMR's acceptance of any increase from the current threshold of five individuals.

Despite overwhelming opposition from those testifying at the hearing, the Maine legislature's Marine Resources Committee voted in favour of LD 2065, indicating its support for the proposed changes.

-      National Fishermen