Standard Aquaculture Lease Application

Introduction | Pre-Application Requirements for Standard Lease Applications | Standard Lease Application Forms | Additional Application Forms for Existing Standard Leases | Standard Lease Laws and Regulations

Introduction

A standard lease permits the lease holder to culture finfish, shellfish, and/or marine algae on up to 100 acres for 20 years.

• Diagram of the Standard Lease Application Process - pdf

The standard lease application process changed effective April 1, 2019. A detailed overview of the standard lease application process, including information on the changes, can be found here:

• Standard Lease Guidance Document for Applicants - pdf

Pre-Application Requirements for Standard Lease Applications:

Please note that the first step in the standard lease application process is attending a pre-application meeting with the Department and the municipality (usually represented by the harbormaster). Your draft application will be due to the Department four months after the pre-application meeting.

Please contact DMRAquaculture@maine.gov to arrange this meeting. Contact us early in your planning for a lease application; it will help both you and the Department a great deal.

Standard Lease Application Forms:

There are two types of standard leases: discharge and non-discharge. A discharge lease application is required when the proposal includes the addition of feed (pellets, kelp, etc.) or additives (therapeutants, chemical treatments, drugs, etc.) into the water. Pick the appropriate application for your proposal from the options below.

Applications must be submitted using the forms currently hosted on this website. Please be sure your submission reflects the most current version of the respective form. Submissions that are made on discontinued forms may be returned to the applicant

• Non-Discharge Aquaculture (up to 100 acres for 20 years):
  • Non-Discharge Standard Lease Application - pdf
  • Non-Discharge Standard Lease Application- word 

• Discharge/Finfish Aquaculture (up to 100 acres for 20 years):
  • Suspended net-pen culture lease ("standard") application - pdf
  • Suspended net-pen culture lease ("standard") application - word
  • DEP discharge permit guidance document for Atlantic salmon aquaculture - pdf

• Riparian list, if applicable:
  • Riparian List form for Lease applications - pdf
  • Riparian List form for Lease applications - word
     
• Corporate Applicant Information Document (if applicable):
  • Corporate Application Form - word
  • Corporate Application Form - pdf

Additional Application Forms for Existing Standard Leases

Lease Renewal Applications:

• Lease Renewal Application - pdf
• Lease Renewal Application - word

Lease Transfer and Amendment Forms:

• Contact Info Change Form for Leases and LPAs (online form)
• Lease Transfer Application - pdf
• Lease Transfer Application - word
• Lease Amendment Form - pdf
• Lease Amendment Form - word

Lease Expansion Forms:

Information on expanding existing standard aquaculture leases can be found in the lease expansion guidance document: Lease Expansion Guidance Document - pdf

• Lease Expansion Application - pdf
• Lease Expansion Application - word

Standard Lease Laws and Regulations:

• Standard Lease Law
• Lease Regulations - see Chapter 2, section 2.10