You are here

Home » State Of Maine Rebuffs Aquaculture Operation In Frenchman Bay Across From Acadia

State Of Maine Rebuffs Aquaculture Operation In Frenchman Bay Across From Acadia

Share
By NPT Staff - April 22nd, 2022
An aquaculture company that wanted to raise Atlantic salmon in Frenchman Bay has had its application rejected by the state of Maine.

An aquaculture company that wanted to raise Atlantic salmon in Frenchman Bay has had its application rejected by the state of Maine. This graphic depicts the approximate location of where the pens were to be installed.

A proposal to raise Atlantic salmon in two 60-acre pens in Frenchman Bay off of Acadia National Park in Maine has been blocked by the state, where the Department of Marine Resources said the company behind the project failed to properly source its fish eggs.

In response to the Department of Marine Resources' decision, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection returned American Aquafarms’ application for a waste discharge license.

According to the Marine Resources department, the salmon pens were proposed to be located on "a 60.37 acre site located northwest of Long Porcupine Island in Frenchman Bay, and on a 60.32 acre site located north of Bald Rock in Frenchman Bay. Both proposals are located in the Town of Gouldsboro."

While the company, American Aquafarms, can still submit a new application, that would likely add extra years to the permitting process, according to Friends of Acadia.

“The decision by the Maine Department of Marine Resources to terminate the permit for American Aquafarms’ massive salmon farm in Frenchman Bay, was a small victory and we are delighted by the news,” said Stephanie Clement, interim president and conservation director at Friends of Acadia. “This is a serious setback for American Aquafarms, but it is likely not the end of the proposal. There is still a lot of work to do.”

Frenchman Bay United —a coalition of groups and individuals opposed to industrial size aquaculture in Frenchman Bay— urged American Aquafarms to give up on the project.

“It has been clear from the start that this project will create massive water and air pollution and will hurt the local economy through its adverse impacts on the lobster fishery, small-scale aquaculture operations already in the bay, and the many tourism and recreation jobs. All of these depend on a clean, unspoiled bay,” said Frenchman Bay United Treasurer Jeri Bowers, who is also president of Friends of Eastern Bay.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.