Goal A social and regulatory environment which supports and values a healthy marine industry along the Maine coast, thereby retaining the traditional economic livelihood and culture of the region. The continued influx of individuals along the Maine coastline has sharpened the issue of how to retain Maine's working waterfronts. Traditional users of the waterfront are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain residences close to the coast, and new coastal residents often object to traditional activities such as commercial fishing. Maintaining shore access and these traditional activities is therefore an issue rising in profile and concern for many residents. Establishing rules and the social context for co-existence will be a critical issue in the future along the waterfront of the entire state.
Opportunities exist with other marine species, but require support from a variety of areas.
Work has been conducted on some species, to varying degrees, and should continue to be supported. Rationale This research and development is key to the success of the Maine molluscan shellfish aquaculture industry. Shellfish growout periods are longer in Maine than in much of the nation, placing Maine growers at a disadvantage. Broodstock selected for rapid growth would aid Maine growers in producing shellstock in a more cost-effective manner. In addition, shellfish diseases Haplosporidium nelsoni , and Perkinus marinus cause mortalities as the shellfish are reaching market size.