New Maine laws to protect aquaculture sector, simplify leasing process for sea farmers

Three new laws sponsored by Representative Morgan Rielly that aim to support Maine's aquaculture sector have recently been signed into law. The measures address nuisance complaints and the state's leasing process for sea farmers.

One of the new laws, LD 1595, will provide the aquaculture sector with the same protections from nuisance complaints that commercial fishermen currently have under state statute. Rielly stated that the law will protect aquaculture workers from unfair complaints filed by coastal landowners regarding the sight, sound, or smell of their operations.

Two other new laws address what the representative described as a "uniquely burdensome" leasing process. The first, LD 1722, passed as emergency legislation to take effect immediately, will make it easier for people in aquaculture to renew their leases.

The second leasing-related law, LD 1596, directs the Maine Department of Marine Resources to submit a report to the legislature’s Marine Resources Committee by January 1, 2026, with recommended changes to the state's aquaculture leases.