Protect Maine asks Stonington to consider local moratorium on aquaculture leases; state process debated

A group calling itself Protect Maine asked the Stonington Selectmen to consider a local moratorium on aquaculture leases, prompting a multi‑speaker exchange and a request for legal review before any action.

Mark Gallaher (Protect Maine) described concerns about an influx of lease applications and referenced legal analyses provided by local counsel. Jon Lewis, identified in the transcript as a former Department of Marine Resources head, cautioned that rapid lease growth could overwhelm review and management systems. Representative Genevieve McDonald, attending in support of public process, corrected or clarified aspects of the legislative and committee procedures as she understands them in the Maine Legislature’s Marine Resources committee.

Some speakers argued that the application process already includes robust public notice and environmental review; others urged a moratorium to preserve review time and local input. TM Billings told the board she had forwarded Protect Maine materials to Maine Municipal Association (MMA) legal counsel and the town attorney for guidance.

Why it matters: Aquaculture lease decisions affect shorelines, fishing access, and local marine resource management; towns that regulate shoreland or submerged‑land uses must balance economic development, ecological concerns and statutory limits on municipal authority.

What happened next: Selectmen tabled formal action and asked for legal review and advice from MMA and the town attorney before considering any municipal moratorium or ordinance changes. Protect Maine’s presentation was recorded in the minutes; no moratorium vote or ordinance change appears in the transcript.

Next steps: Town staff will await MMA and town-attorney guidance and return materials to the Selectmen for discussion at a future meeting.