Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Maine lobstermen and aquaculture farm clash

A Casco Bay mussel farmer wants to expand to a new location near Hope Island, raising concerns by Chebeague Island fishermen that they'll be forced out of prime lobster grounds.

this marks the latest local skirmish in the ongoing battle between existing fishermen and the growing aquaculture industry. The battle has been waging throughout New England, which has long had a historical fishing industry and has, over recent years, seen an increase in new aquaculture business. What has to be found is a balance between the two industries. Federal, state, and local governments have to establish guidelines for better relations between the two industries in order for the two to coexist. We will keep an eye on this latest skirmish in Maine and keep are readers posted.

e.l.