Oyster farm off Brunswick OK'd, continues to rile locals
COURTESY / MERE POINT OYSTER CO.
Mere Point Oyster Co.'s Dan Devereaux and Doug Niven received permission from the state to establish an oyster-growing operation on a 34.5-acre lease in Maquoit Bay, off Brunswick.
Despite some local opposition, the state Department of Marine Resources has granted a 34.5-acre lease in Maquoit Bay, off Brunswick, to Mere Point Oyster Co. in Brunswick, allowing the company to grow American oysters, European oysters, bay scallops, sea scallops and northern quahogs using suspended culture techniques.
The decision concludes that the aquaculture activities will not “unreasonably” interfere with other local activities, according to the decision document.
They include activities of landowners near the bay, as well as navigation and fishing in the area. The decision says the aquaculture farm won’t pose a hazard to ecologically significant wildlife and plants, won’t create unreasonable noise or light, and will comply with visual impact criteria set by the department.
The decision remains subject to judicial review for 40 days following Dec. 19, the day it was issued.
Mere Point Oyster Co. is owned by Dan Devereaux and Doug Niven.
A group called Protect Maine’s Fishing Heritage said it will appeal the decision in court.
According to a news release from the group, there are significant conflicts and fisherman concerns around the lease site. Lobstermen and fishermen have said the large area of the lease will inhibit their catch and reduce their incomes.
The group also cited conflict of interest; Devereaux is also the town of Brunswick’s harbormaster.
“The group of concerned citizens and those who make their living in the fishing community met the unreasonable interference criteria to have this application denied, but DMR favored aquaculture at the expense of the traditional fisheries,” spokesperson Crystal Canney said in the release.
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It's about time. There is no significant conflict at this site, just a lot of phony opposition drummed up by someone who sees his sunset views as paramount. Maine needs alternatives to lobstering. This sort of economic activity helps retain commercial waterfront.
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