Maine

Governor Mills Highlights Responsible Aquaculture as Opportunity to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy, and Promote Maine Seafood

Published

3 years ago

May 16, 2022

Press Room

Governor walks downtown Bathtub, stops by native companies and encourages Maine folks to buy native as a part of go to to Sagadahoc County at present

SAGADAHOC COUNTY – Throughout a roundtable with sea farmers from the New Meadows River Shellfish Co-op at present, Governor Janet Mills highlighted her Administration’s dedication to accountable aquaculture as a chance to strengthen and diversify Maine’s financial system, generate good jobs, and supply Maine folks with sustainable, locally-farmed seafood.

Gov. Mills shucks an oyster following aquaculture roundtable

To assist Maine’s aquaculture sector, the Governor pointed to thousands and thousands of {dollars} made obtainable to Maine sea farmers by means of the State’s distribution of funding by means of the CARES Act, the Governor’s Maine Jobs and Restoration Plan, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, the lately enacted supplemental finances, and the Working Waterfront Entry Safety Program.

“Aquaculture represents a promising alternative to create new jobs, strengthen and diversify our financial system, and increase Maine’s repute as a premier vacation spot for seafood,” stated Governor Mills. “I’ve been proud to assist Maine sea farmers as they overcome the pandemic, and my Administration will proceed to assist the accountable development of this trade because it creates new jobs and builds on the sturdy basis of our marine financial system.”

Aquaculture has steadily grown in Maine in recent times. In accordance with the newest financial impression report, its general worth is greater than $100 million. Sea farmers apply to make use of public waters by means of the Maine Division of Marine Useful resource and bear a rigorous allowing course of primarily based on State legislation.

The Governor was joined by Consultant Jay McCreight (D-Harpswell), the Chair of the Legislature’s Committee on Marine Assets, for the dialogue. The Cooperative consists of twelve shellfish farmers who function within the higher waters of the New Meadows River from Small Level Harbor in Phippsburg to Princes Level in Brunswick to convey Maine folks domestically farmed, sustainable oysters and shellfish.

The Governor at present additionally joined Senate Majority Chief Eloise Vitelli (D-Arrowsic) for a strolling tour of downtown Bathtub, visiting Bathtub Candy Shoppe, Union & Co, Now You’re Cooking, Lisa Marie’s Made in Maine Store, and Reny’s. The Governor additionally visited the Bathtub Restoration Group Middle and had lunch on the Kennebec Tavern. Following the tour, she expressed her optimism concerning the future and inspired Maine folks to buy native.

“Downtown Bathtub is a lovely neighborhood with large historical past, nice eating places, and extraordinary small companies,” stated Governor Mills. “I really like this neighborhood and Sagadahoc County, which have a lot to supply our state. With inflation, I do know occasions could be robust, however I’m hopeful concerning the future and, as we head into the long-awaited summer season, I encourage Maine folks to get out and revel in their communities, store native, and assist their native small companies.”

The Governor’s go to to Sagadahoc County comes as she travels throughout the state to satisfy with native enterprise and neighborhood leaders. Final week, the Governor visited Piscataquis County.

Earlier within the day, Governor Mills additionally joined U.S. Senator Angus King and officers from Larger Portland METRO and Biddeford Saco Outdated Orchard Seaside Transit to introduce 4 electrical buses (two per company) to their fleets.