AUGUSTA - In response to news that the Maine Department of Marine Resources has terminated a permit application by American Aquafarms to farm Atlantic salmon in Frenchman Bay, Rep. Genevieve McDonald, D-Stonington, released the following statement:
"I am pleased by the decision made by the Maine Department of Marine Resources to terminate the American Aquafarms proposal in Frenchman Bay. Protecting the biosecurity of the Gulf of Maine is a top priority to preserve the health of our ecosystem. The Maine Legislature has worked hard to create a robust aquaculture lease permitting process with appropriate safeguards in place. The termination of American Aquafarms' permit application is a testament to the effectiveness of our efforts."
McDonald, a member of the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee, is serving her second term in the Maine House. She represents the Cranberry Isles, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, North Haven, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan's Island, Tremont, Vinalhaven and Marshall Island Township.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [McDonald] c. 812-1111