AUGUSTA – A measure sponsored by Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, to create a pilot program for the testing of biotoxins in cultured scallops is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the measure on July 1.
“I want to thank everyone who made this possible – the growers, advocates and organizations who believe in the future of scallop farming here in Maine,” said Eaton. “Scallop farming holds real promise for diversifying our fisheries and supporting our working waterfront communities, and I am so pleased to see this idea become reality.”
Eaton introduced the measure on behalf of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. and Bobby and Marsden Brewer, owners of PenBay Farmed Scallops. Both organizations testified in support of the proposal, as did the Maine Aquaculture Association.
As amended, LD 1279 would create a pilot program to conduct biotoxin testing of whole cultured scallops or the roe of cultured scallops in the same manner as the testing for other cultured mollusks under the Marine Shellfish Toxins Monitoring Program. This program would be overseen by the Department of Marine Resources, and the bill allocates $50,000 in fiscal year 2025-26 and 2026-27 to carry out the program.
The department is also tasked with a report back to the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee in January 2027 and 2028. The report will include the number of businesses utilizing the testing offered by the pilot program, the overall impact on the scallop aquaculture industry – including economic growth and culture scallop landings – and recommendations for further improvements or expansions.
Eaton is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents the communities of Brooklin, Deer Isle, Eagle Island Township, Frenchboro, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan’s Island, Tremont, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven. She serves as a member of the Marine Resources Committee and the Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Eaton) | 305-965-2744
Photo caption: Rep. Holly Eaton joins Marsden Brewer (left) and Bobby Brewer (right) to explore their farm-grown scallops at PenBay Farmed Scallops in April earlier this year.