Maine Aquaculture Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

May 4, 2006
Corbett Hall, University of Maine, Orono

Council members in attendance: Chris Davis, Theo De Koning, Erick Swanson, Lloyd Purdy, Samantha Horn Olsen (DMR ex-officio)

Others: David Etnier DMR, Sebastian Belle MAA, Mike Hastings UMO

Welcome, introductions, and review of agenda were conducted by Samantha Horn Olsen.

Nominations for a chair were accepted, and Chris Davis was the only nominee. Chris was unanimously elected as chair. The group agreed that the duties of the chair will be as follows; review agendas in advance of meetings, review minutes prior to distribution to the group, call meetings, and conduct voting.

David Etnier reviewed the current legislative session, and noted that there were two items of particular interest. The first is a new law that was formerly LD 2049. David described the history and content of the bill and noted that it allows immediate use of up to 500 acres of leased acreage per company instead of 300 and that it allows the DMR to go to rulemaking to propose a higher cap. He reviewed the rulemaking process and anticipated that if the rulemaking is controversial, that the advisory council may well take issue with a proposed acreage increase. The second item of interest is the first substantial increase in DMR funding in quite a while. It is an appropriation of an additional $250,000 annually for the Public Health Division. David noted that 2004 and 2005 were very bad years in terms of shellfish harvest closures, and that the additional funds will help the department open more areas as soon as they are safe, by allowing work late in the week and on weekends that was not possible in the past due to limited funds. Funds that DEP committed will help purchase new equipment that will allow the processing of many more samples each year. He expressed appreciation for all the help that DMR received from growers in accomplishing this important increase in funds. Details of how DMR is moving forward with hiring and other expenditures are in an email that shellfish harvesters received.

The group discussed the current red tide closures, which are the earliest ever.

Samantha reviewed the handout titled “Rulemaking and Legislation Changes for Consideration in 06-07”. The members and public have suggestions in the following areas (numbered to correspond with items on the handout):

Confirm that older leases will not be adversely affected by this prior to proposing changes
When proposing changes to the LPAs, also consider mechanisms to allow flexibility in gear types, and possibly species.
Keep the group involved as this develops further
Consult AG’s office regarding whether this constitutes a taking
Consider unintentional buoy movement due to storms, etc.
Concern expressed that any salmon is being used for bait. Want to make sure the standards are very rigorous.
Will be interested to see more specifics
Pan-size halibut may be an area that needs this type of size exemption
Could use categories instead of numbers, for example 10-30 thousand pounds instead of 20.5 thousand pounds. Also should look at NMFS confidentiality statutes
No comments
Industry is still interested in a corporate name change exemption, but is aware that they must propose something.
No comments

Additional suggestions:

Black box regulation of mussel harvest – this will be considered during the larger process of dealing with mussel harvesting impacts that is now underway.

Change mussel harvesting to licensing by boat or company instead of by individual – D. Etnier will follow up on this.

Change water classifications in some areas where the SA classification was designed to restrict land-based development prior to the introduction of aquaculture. – This should be addressed to DEP. Lloyd and Sebastian will contact Andy Fisk.

Samantha reviewed the current progress of the DMR aquaculture staff group on the initiatives announced last year. Chris and Sebastian suggested that the MAA could do a survey of growers on the Damariscotta to gauge opinion about crowding. They will give DMR the opportunity to review the questions before a survey goes out. Chris also noted that the fluorometry work is in its final field season and results should be available this fall. Samantha asked for help with improving the opportunities for polyculture. The biggest needs seemed to be the opportunity to sublease a portion of a site and other co-location mechanisms. Because there are varied needs and ideas about what would be ideal, the DMR aquaculture staff and interested growers will have a joint meeting this summer, date TBD.

The new aquaculture leasing brochure was introduced, and it was made clear that there are copies available for distribution.

Samantha announced that DMR does intend to begin sampling for the benthic impacts of mussel aquaculture project this season, but that the final study design is not yet available. When it is ready, it will be shared.

Samantha discussed several grant applications that are in the pipeline, but not yet decided. For grants regarding sturgeon, Rod Mitchell at the Goodwill-Hinckley school is working on sturgeon aquaculture and may be of help. John Whalen is the only commercial smelt grower in Maine. Hank (last name unknown) could be helpful as well. Last name will be supplied when it is remembered.

The financial statements for the two dedicated funds were reviewed. It is noted that revenues are similar to what was anticipated and that discretionary expenditures are on hold until the fish health staffing is resolved.

There were no additional topics raised by the council members.

The public attendees asked questions during the discussion, so there were no public comments.

Next meeting will be September 12, 2006. Time will be determined later. Location will be Corbett Hall, UMO. Members should get back to Samantha to express a time preference.

DEPT. OF MARINE RESOURCES

Maine Aquaculture Advisory Council Meeting Minutes