Portland - Aquaculture Listening Session

About the Sessions

These meetings are in-person only and will not be recorded by DMR.

Guided by state law and for the benefit of all Maine people, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) administers the Aquaculture Leasing Program. This program was recently reorganized and now falls under the Bureau of Public Health and Aquaculture. In light of this change, as well as increased interest in the blue economy, aquaculture in general, and growing demands on the program, DMR wants to hear directly from stakeholders as we plot a course for the future.

We are holding in-person listening sessions at five locations in coastal communities to hear from stakeholders. Each two-hour session is open to the public and will be professionally facilitated by Craig Freshley of Good Group Decisions in Brunswick. These are not traditional public hearings, but rather the sessions are designed to foster understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face and discussion of the best ideas for moving forward with aquaculture in Maine. In addition to giving input at the sessions, stakeholders are also invited to submit written feedback. A report of all input received, including themes and leading ideas, will be prepared and made available afterward.