Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish and even plants. The term aquaculture refers to the cultivation of both marine and freshwater species and can range from land-based to open-ocean production. The jurisdiction of The Town of Brunswick, and the focus of this web page, is the farming of marine species within the coastal waters Brunswick. Pursuant to 12 MRSA §6072(3), in any municipality with a shellfish conservation program, the DMR Commissioner can not lease areas in the intertidal zone without the consent of the municipal officers.
The Town of Brunswick was home to one of the first modern day shellfish farms called Dodge Cove in the New Meadows River around 1970. Brunswick is now home to a variety of subtidal and intertidal shellfish farms. Shellfish farming accounts for less than 1 % of the total shellfishing waters and represents approximately 10% of the total value of all shellfish landed in Brunswick. For a detailed list of these farms please visit the Maine Interactive Aquaculture Web Map. To understand more about public participation in aquaculture licensing or leasing process please visit Public Participation in Aquaculture Licensing and Leasing.
