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Harpswell fisheries committee backs public comment urging anchors removed for experimental kelp lease
Summary
The Harpswell Fisheries Committee reviewed an experimental kelp lease application that would extend the season into early November, discussed coexistence with lobster gear, and agreed to submit public comment — with Selectman Matt Gilly representing the town at the April hearing — stressing that anchors and corner markers be removed in the off‑season.
The Harpswell Fisheries Committee on March 19 reviewed an experimental kelp lease application and agreed to deliver a unified public comment at the Department of Marine Resources hearing, reiterating the town’s request that anchors and corner markers be removed when the lease area is not in use.
The committee learned the application is farther along than usual: the applicant completed a pre-application meeting, a draft application and scoping session, and received a DMR site visit and site report in August 2024. A public hearing is scheduled for April 14 in Brunswick, and the committee discussed how best to present local concerns there.
Committee members and local fishers detailed fishing patterns around the site, saying most trap activity concentrates near the ledges to the south of the proposed lease area. The applicant and others said the site has produced good kelp growth in recent years. "The LPAs are November 15th to June 1st," a presenter said, "the application for the experimental is November 1st to June 1st. So I've added the whole month of November." That extra period, the applicant said, would allow earlier setting and seeding to improve yields and accommodate fickle November weather.
Speakers stressed the importance of removing anchors and corner markers outside the active season so fishing gear can be set safely when the area is in use. Committee members said a town letter from Paul requests that all gear, including corner markers, be removed when the lease is not active; the applicant said he would comply. One committee member summarized the local view: previous seasons showed the two uses can coexist when gear is removed during off months.
On process and participation, members discussed whether to seek intervenor status at the hearing and decided not to pursue it, favoring a public comment instead. "I will be speaking for the committee," Selectman Matt Gilly said; members agreed he should read and reaffirm the town letter and note the committee’s condition that anchors not remain in place during the off-season.
Committee members also raised scheduling and logistics: they noted the hearing is set in Brunswick rather than Harpswell and discussed limited notice and local scheduling conflicts such as spring break. The meeting closed after a motion that was made and seconded.
Next steps: the committee will submit the town letter to DMR and Selectman Matt Gilly will present the committee’s public comment at the April hearing reiterating the town’s condition that anchors and corner markers be removed when the experimental lease is inactive.
