Below is a table outlining the various permitting/leasing options in order to conduct aquaculture in Maine waters. For more information on leasing, please visit the Maine DMR web site by clicking here.
| Type of Permission | No Permit | LPA License | Experimental Lease | Standard Lease |
| What can I grow | Anything except finfish, no imports | Blue Mussels, certain clams, certain oysters | Any species already present in Maine | Any species already present in Maine |
| How much space can I occupy? | Any size | ≤ 400 sq ft of gear: length x width (e.g. a 20’x20’ raft) | Up to 4 acres, can be bottom or suspended, or both | Up to 100 acres, can be bottom or suspended or both |
| How long will the lease or license last? | N/A | 1 calendar year: all LPAs expire Dec 31 each year | Up to 3 years, start date flexible within 1 yr. of lease decision | Up to 20 years |
| How much will it cost? | $0 | $50/year |
$100 application fee + $100/acre/year rent |
App Fee: $1,500 (shellfish), $2,000 (finfish) + Rent: $100/acre/yr + Renewal fees in 20 yrs |
| What types of gear can I use? | None – bottom culture only | Certain types specified in rule, (e.g. rafts, soft bags, tray racks, lantern nets, upwellers) | Any, as long as appropriate for site | Any, as long as appropriate for site |
| Is my product legally protected from poaching? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Do I need to get a bond? | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Site visit required? | No | No | Yes – but typically no dive | Yes, full site review |
| Will I have to have a scoping session and public hearing? | No | No – Only municipal official signature required | Maybe: it’s at DMR’s discretion or if 5 or more people request a hearing | Yes |
| How long will it take to get this lease or license? | N/A | After application is received at DMR, it takes a few weeks | Varies depending on whether a hearing is required and when the application is filed. Typically 3 months to a year. | Varies depending on when the application is filed and how complicated the application and issues are. Typically 8 months to two years |
| Renewable? | N/A | Yes | No (except for research) | Yes |
| Notes | Any licensed harvester can take that product. There is no exemption for undersize – so cannot possess undersize product | Good tool for nursery sites, trying new areas, relay sites, hobby or small operations. Renewed each year – town and nearby landowners can comment each year, so not guaranteed to continue from year to year. | If a standard lease application is filed more than 90 days before the expiration of the experimental lease, the experimental lease continues until DMR makes a decision on the standard lease application. | Public process is extensive, but this is the best tool for long-term operations. |