Augusta – The Maine Coastal Program, a Division of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), has opened registration for the annual Coastal Cleanup. The Coastal Cleanup is a volunteer-driven initiative designed to clean debris from Maine’s coastal shores and waterfront communities.

Summer is in full swing, and more people are enjoying time on our coastal waters. The Maine Department of Marine Resources wants to remind swimmers, paddlers, and surfers to be safe while in or on the water.

Augusta - The Maine Marine Patrol will once again be looking out for anyone violating Maine’s boating under the influence laws and sharing safety information during the national Operation Dry Water weekend, July 4-July 6.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to amend the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) Vessel Strike Reduction Rule for states bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This action is subject to review for consistency with the enforceable policies of Maine Coastal Program under 15 CFR 930, subpart C. Public comments will be accepted through July 16, 2024 and can be sent to DMRCoastalProgram_FC@maine.gov.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes to issue commercial leases within identified wind energy areas (WEAs) and granting rights-of-way and rights-of-use and easements in the region of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Maine.

Augusta - The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP), in collaboration with the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Maine Coastal Program (MCP), is proud to announce the award of $451,553 in coastal planning grants.

Bar Harbor - The Maine Marine Patrol/State Police Underwater Recovery team recovered the body of 20-year-old Gregory Taylor of New Hampshire today at approximately 6:00 p.m. from Clark Cove in Bar Harbor after an eyewitness report of a man in distress, swimming in the cove. His body has been transported to a local funeral home.

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is holding public hearings on the proposals listed below:

West Boothbay Harbor - The Maine State Aquarium, a program of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), will re-open Wednesday, June 26^th with a redesigned interior, new exhibits and displays, and an improved visitor experience.