On March 20, a group of lobstermen, their families, and concerned citizens submitted 189 signatures to the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to open rulemaking regarding the siting of aquaculture leases. Last week, DMR notified the group that their request was granted and hearings will take place.

Forty-year lobstermen John Powers of Brunswick said, “We need to seriously consider how we site these leases so aquaculture can grow but not at the expense of the $500 million dollar lobster industry.”

Lobstermen Tom Santiguida added, “We know that a lease is rarely denied by the Department of Marine Resources and the growth in applications is exponential. DMR must find a better way to site leases with the burden of proof being on the applicant and not on those of us trying to make a living.”