| LPA license | Experimental Lease | Standard Lease | |
| What can I grow? | Certain shellfish species specified in rule, green sea urchins, and marine algae. | Any species already present in Maine | Any species already present in Maine |
| How much space can I occupy? | Û 400 sq ft of area, excluding moorings: length x width (e.g. a 20'x20' raft) | Up to 4 acres, can be bottom or suspended or both | Up to 100 acres, can be bottom or suspended or both |
| How long can the lease or license last? | All LPAs expire Dec 31 each year | Up to 3 years | Up to 20 years |
| How much will it cost? |
$100/ year for Residents $400/ year for Non-residents |
Application Fee: $750 + Rent: $100/acre/yr |
Application Fee: $2,000 (Discharge), $1,500 (non-discharge) + Rent: $100/acre/yr |
| What types of gear can I use? | Certain types specified in rule, (e.g. rafts, soft bags, tray racks, lantern nets, upwellers) | Any, as long as appropriate for site | Any, as long as appropriate for site |
| Is my product legally protected from poaching? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Do I need to get a bond or escrow account? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Site visit required? | No | Yes, but typically no dive | Yes, including dive |
| Will I have to have a scoping session and public hearing? | No. Only harbormaster signature required (in towns without a harbormaster, a municipal official signature is required) | Maybe. A scoping session is at DMR's discretion. A public hearing must be held if 10 or more people request a hearing | Yes. Scoping sessions and public hearings are required. |
| Expandable? | No | No | Yes |
| Renewable? | Yes | No (except for scientific research) | Yes; $1500 renewal application fee |
| Additional information | Good tool for nursery sites, trying new areas, relay sites, hobby or small operations. Renewed each year - town and nearby landowners can comment each year, so not guaranteed to continue from year to year. | If a standard lease application is filed before the expiration of the experimental lease, the experimental lease continues until DMR makes a decision on the standard lease application. | Public process is extensive, but this is the best tool for long-term operations. |