June 2003 Letter to the Editor

Although nearly 5 years old, many of the same issues exist for large scale aquaculture sites. Take a look and see if you agree...Read more.

Catch up on the latest news with the EPBEA member newsletter.

EAST PENOBSOCT BAY ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE was formed in May 2001 to defend the bay against the threat of salmon pen leases near Little Deer Isle. In 2007, the salmon pen threat has receded from East Penobscot Bay.  Local residents, business people,  fishermen, and environmentalists continue to support EPBEA, as we have responded to new issues affecting our bay.

OUR MISSION is to conserve our coast and to promote the environmentally appropriate use of East Penobscot Bay.


OUR OBJECTIVES

Fish pens: we stand ready, if necessary, to fight fish pens in East Penobscot Bay. Take a look at a couple of overhead images of salmon pens that we obtained from an undisclosed location. Image #1 and Image #2

Scallop Aquaculture: we support the locally based scallop project initiated by Marsden Brewer. He envisions aquaculture which benefits local people, does not harm the bay, and is underwater. Scallop aquaculture will increase our scientific understanding of the bay.

Global Warming and Windmills: EPBEA has begun to educate ourselves and our neighbors about the dangers of a warming planet. Penobscot Bay will be affected by sea level rise and flooded roads, towns, and homes. We encourage energy conservation and encourage development of renewable energy. We are now hoping to get three commercial windmills sited on Deer Isle

Runoff: we work with other environmental and fisheries groups to educate ourselves and our neighbors on ways to decrease chemical and bacterial pollution of our bay from runoff.

Research: EPBEA has funded research on the circulation patterns of Penobscot Bay. We have not yet chosen another project.

Advocacy and Comment: EPBEA has developed a presence and name on the Maine coast. We will comment on coastal issues affecting our bay, from aquaculture to dredging and pesticide use, to shore access and working waterfront, and threats to clam flats.

Bay Management: Bay-wide management has been a major project for EPBEA these past couple of years. The consensus emerging on the coast is that people want to increase communication and cooperation among groups; and increase research and publicity about research, but that people are not ready for a formal governance structure.

East Penobscot Bay Environmental Alliance
Post Office Box 39
Deer Isle, ME 04627
207-348-6075

janemccloskey@hughes.net

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