Boats moored in Jonesport, Maine, U.S.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
Business, environmental, and economic development organizations in Maine, United States, have formed a new coalition to promote the benefits of locally farmed seafood and encourage the growth of the aquaculture sector.
The new coalition is formed by the Maine Aquaculture Association, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), FocusMaine, Island Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and was launched at mussel farm Bangs Island in Portland.
According to the Executive Director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, Sebastian Belle, the transformation of Maine's aquatic resources puts fishing communities and working waterfronts along the entire coast at risk. Also, transportation of imported seafood causes significant carbon footprint.
"With aquaculture, Maine can produce local, sustainable, healthy and great-tasting seafood while keeping working waterfronts working and fishing communities vibrant in a changing world," he explained.
Additionally, Andrea Cianchette Maker, President of FocusMaine noted: "Growing seafood in Maine creates local jobs, supports local communities, is closer to local and domestic markets and adds value to Maine’s Gross Domestic Product. Farmed seafood, also called aquaculture, helps to support and sustain Maine's overall fishing industry."
Maine has strict regulations that prohibit industrial-scale aquaculture. For example, marine farm sites cannot exceed 100 acres, and leases for aquaculture sites are limited to 20 years.
The permitting process includes public participation and strict environmental reviews. Additionally, Maine's aquaculturists must comply with more than 20 federal and state regulatory laws, as well as other regulations.
Maine’s aquaculturists were among the first professionals to develop best management practices (BMPs) as well as third-party audits. Other states in the country are now imitating these practices.
Maine's fishing industry experienced a significant economic boost in 2024, with total landings valued at $709,509,984, an increase of more than $74 million from the previous year, WeAreAquaculture reported days ago.
