An Act To Create A Limited-Purpose License For Aquaculture Nursery And Husbandry Activities And To Clarify The Aquaculture Lease Amendment Process

This bill creates a new limited-purpose license for aquaculture nursery and husbandry activities in Maine, allowing individuals to raise and care for marine organisms in coastal waters before they are deployed to permanent aquaculture sites. The license requires applicants to have no water discharge, use approved stock and equipment, limit their gear to 1,600 square feet, and ensure their activities do not interfere with navigation, riparian access, or other water uses. It also clarifies the lease amendment process by giving preference to current limited-purpose license holders if they later apply to lease the same area. The bill directly affects aquaculture operators, municipal shellfish management committees, and municipal officers involved in early-stage marine organism cultivation.