In looking at the Mere Point Oyster Co.’s application for an aquaculture farm in Maquoit Bay, attending the hearings, reading letters, and articles you have published, I am struck by several thoughts.

Here we have an innovative start-up, by long-term Maine residents, proposing to create a sustainable aquaculture business in Maine waters while employing Maine workers. They have addressed all seven areas necessary for state approval of their application, while listening to all parties and then redesigning the layout and operation to appease neighbors, ease and open navigation, while also accommodating fishing and recreational needs. Sounds to me like a good neighbor, pretty even-keeled and by all measures and actions pretty positive and accommodating.

I also reflected on how this new aquaculture farm affects our community and society. Here we have in essence farmers: planting, nurturing and bringing to harvest a popular and marketable Maine product. Unlike others who fish, trap, dig and remove diminishing resources, Mere Point Oyster Co. is creating, replenishing resources and harvesting while also cleaning and helping restore the bay to its natural clarity and ecological balance.

That is pretty amazing when you think of it. We should be celebrating their entrepreneurship, innovation, investment and hard work while encouraging more start-ups like this. This is why I endorse and support approval of the Mere Point Oyster Co.’s aquaculture application by the Maine Department of Marine resources.

Mark Kirshe
Brunswick


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