A hundred Frenchman Bay lobstermen have signed a petition opposing a proposed salmon-pen facility to float in the shadow of Acadia National Park.
American Aquafarms, which is backed by Norwegian investors, has applied to the state for wastewater discharge permits needed for the project, but has yet to seek any other permits. The company said it would produce as much as 60 million pounds of salmon a year — almost a 10th of estimated U.S. salmon consumption.
It would base its on-land operations in Gouldsboro. Lobstermen presented their petition to Gouldsboro officials Thursday night. They cited the potential loss of prime harvesting grounds, navigational conflicts and harm to the bay ecosystem.
The project has drawn wide opposition, including local aquaculture farms, conservation groups, tourism businesses and the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
This article appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.