Bill to establish Maine Blue Economy Center clears Economic Development Committee

AUGUSTA — On March 12, the Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development voted to support a bill to establish the Blue Economy Center, a proposal recommended by the Blue Economy Task Force, which was established by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill C. Duson, D-Portland. The center would centralize the work being done to develop Maine’s ocean-based economy. LD 2216 advanced on a 9-4 vote of the committee.

“With this vote, my colleagues are sending a strong message that Maine is ready to unleash the full potential of our Blue Economy,” said Sen. Duson. “The ocean is the heart of Maine’s oldest and largest heritage industries. By centralizing our ocean-based endeavors, Maine can grow its role as a regional force in the various sectors of the blue economy, such as marine biotechnology and life sciences.”

Last year, Sen. Duson sponsored a bill to re-establish the Blue Economy Task Force, which was passed by the Legislature and signed into law. Between legislative sessions, the task force produced a report that recommended the creation of a Blue Economy Center.

LD 2216, as amended, establishes the Maine Blue Economy Center within the Maine Technology Institute. The Center will serve as the state’s central hub for coordinating and growing ocean-based industries. The Center is tasked with supporting research, commercialization and patenting; strengthening workforce development; aligning efforts across government, industry and academia; and improving tracking of economic and environmental trends.

“As the President of the National Aquaculture Association, I have witnessed firsthand the formation of similar centers in other states over the last five years, and seen the impact they have had on those states’ economies,” said Sebastian Belle, Executive Director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, in testimony to the Committee. “Done right, these centers can attract investment and support business development.”

LD 2216 now heads to both the Senate and House for a series of votes.

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