Sen. Reny introduces bill to improve communication around coastal planning

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, March 27, Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, introduced LD 1026, “An Act to Provide Mapping Services for Aquaculture Lease Siting,” to the Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources during a public hearing. If passed, the bill would require the Maine Office of Community Affairs to create a mapping template for aquaculture lease siting.

“Coastal waters are a public resource used by many Mainers for both recreational and economic purposes,” said Sen. Reny. “This bill will give our towns the opportunity to proactively map out areas of use for all those who access our coasts. This investment would help lower tension between fisheries, aquaculture, marine trades and recreational users — keeping our communities strong.”

LD 1026 requires the Maine Office of Community Affairs to provide the mapping template to municipalities, tribal governments and regional councils. The new mapping template would serve as technical assistance to proactively map out areas being used and for what in public waters.

The bill faces further action in the Marine Resources committee.

Sen. Reny represents Maine Senate District 13, which includes most of Lincoln County and the towns of Washington and Windsor.

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