Sec. C-1. Vision and principles for Maine aquaculture. The Legislature acknowleges that aquaculture is an important and compatible element of Maine's diverse coastal economy. Aquaculture contributes to satisfying global market demands and can benefit local communities and the public interest by producing high-quality products and providing economic opportunities and by operating in an environmentally sustainable fashion. The Legislature also recognizes that the State's planning and regulatory processes should be adaptive, inclusive and fair and should support the growth of the industry in an economically competitive and environmentally sustainable way. The following are guiding principles for aquaculture in Maine.
1. A working waterfront is critical to Maine's coastal future. Marine aquaculture can be a part of Maine's working waterfront.
2. Aquaculture is one of many uses of Maine's coastal environment that can be made compatible with other activities such as commercial fishing and in harmony with natural resources.
3. Marine aquaculture can be practiced in an environmentally sustainable fashion and need not cause permanent ecological damage.
4. Maine's aquaculture leasing program should practice integrity in all aspects of its operation.
5. Maine should encourage local participation in aquaculture permitting decisions.
6. Maine's aquaculture laws and regulations should provide flexibility to address change while recognizing both the need for regulatory stability and for stability in the use of the public resource.
7. Maine's aquaculture leasing process should provide for open communication among stakeholders.
8. Maine's aquaculture monitoring program should feature state-of-the-art environmental monitoring.
9. Marine aquaculture may flourish only with high water quality.
10. Marine aquaculture offers the potential to bring substantial economic value and diversity to the State and its communities.
11. Maine should create a welcoming environment for a range of investments in marine aquaculture.
12. Maine should encourage the development of locally owned and Maine-based operations.
13. Maine should provide and encourage incentives for innovation in marine aquaculture.
Sec. C-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
MARINE RESOURCES, DEPARTMENT OF
Bureau of Resource Management 0027
Initiative: Deallocates funds to reflect changes in the functioning of the Aquaculture Monitoring, Research and Development Fund.
Other Special Revenue Funds 2003-04 2004-05
All Other $0 ($229,730)
__________ __________
Other Special Revenue
Funds Total $0 ($229,730)
Effective July 30, 2004, unless otherwise indicated.
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