AUGUSTA – Three measures sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, that would develop a Working Waterfront Infrastructure Engineer Corps, address working waterfront nuisance complaints and simplify aquaculture leases were recently signed into law.
LD 1595 will provide the same protections to the aquaculture sector that commercial fishermen have under current Maine statute regarding nuisance complaints.
“I have heard time and again that coastal landowners who don’t want to hear, see or smell aquaculture operations unfairly file nuisance complaints against our aquaculture workers, which can put a halt to the work and food production Mainers rely on,” said Rielly. “They deserve the same protections as our commercial fishermen, and I am glad that they will soon have those protections.”
One of the most pressing issues facing Maine’s sea farmers and commercial fishermen who have aquaculture leases revolves around the leasing process. LD 1596 and LD 1722 will help to address this.
LD 1596, as amended, will direct the Maine Department of Marine Resources to submit a report to the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee by Jan. 1, 2026 with recommended changes to aquaculture leases.
LD 1722, which passed as emergency legislation and will go into effect immediately, will make it easier for people who work in aquaculture to renew their leases. This will reduce serious burdens and instability within the industry.
“The current renewal process for leases is uniquely burdensome,” said Rielly. “LD 1596 and LD 1722 are thoughtful, targeted bills that support both innovation and regulation. These measures help ensure that our leasing process is responsive, efficient and fair, while maintaining the high environmental and public trust standards Maine is known for.”
“Rep. Rielly has accomplished more for Maine’s working waterfront in one legislative session than has been achieved in many years,” said Sebastian Belle of the Maine Aquaculture Association. “The men and women who rely on the ocean to support their families and coastal communities owe him a great debt for his hard work and determined efforts to support and protect working waterfronts.”
Rielly is serving his third term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources and the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. He represents a portion of Westbrook.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Rielly) | 305-965-2744