U.S. Coast Guard evaluates ‘federal anchorage’ for Rockland Harbor
The Pen Bay and River Pilots Association’s proposal to classify an area of Rockland Harbor as a federal anchorage is being deliberated by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The PenBay Pilot reported that the distinction would improve deep draft vessel anchoring options in Rockland Harbor, and would direct future foreign vessels and cruise ships into a formal resting zone near Owls Head.
However, at a Feb. 20 meeting of the Rockland Harbor Management Commission, Cmdr. Andy Meyers of Coast Guard Station Portland said the agency questioned the need for the designation.
“I want to make it clear that whether or not a large cruise ship is coming to Rockland, they do have the right to anchor in that Broad Cove area, or really anywhere in federal waters,” Meyers said. But, he said, the reason for the federal anchorage designation would reduce ambiguity for the larger ships coming up the coast. Other reasons cited included separation from lobster gear areas.
Rockland Mayor Valli Geiger cited a concern that the application to the Coast Guard might have moved forward without the city’s knowledge. Meyers said the agency will deliberate the necessity of the application for the next month or two.
After that, he said, if the Coast Guard decides to recommend the request to the federal registry, it will send out notifications of local public comment forums as well as ways to submit written comments.
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