12/26/00

Laurice Churchill

Aquaculture Administrator

Maine Department of Marine Resources

McKown Point PO Box 8

W. Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575

Dear Ms. Churchill,

I am writing with concerns for the proposed lease of nearly 2 acres near Kelly’s Cove in Northport by Joe Larrabee for mussel farming.  My family has owned property in Bayside/Northport for four generations and I consider myself to be very knowledgeable of this area

First let me state for the record that I favor aquaculture of all kinds along the Maine coast.  In fact I once worked for DMR in the early 80s and was involved with the coastal resources inventory project which enabled me to visit/inspect numerous operations up and down the mid-coast area.  Frankly, I was quite impressed with the state of the industry even in the relatively early days.

My biggest concern with Mr. Larrabee’s proposed lease is simply the location.  While he clearly must feel that the area is well suited for his purposes, I am concerned with how such an operation might affect local recreational boating and commercial fishing esp lobstering.  Kelly’s Cove is located just south of the very busy summer community of Bayside.  The area is already heavily fished by area lobstermen.  The area serves as the approachway from the south into Bayside and Belfast for mariners in boats of all sizes.  It is particularly popular with sailors returning from day trips or longer cruises down the Bay as it is well sheltered from strong southerly breezes by Spruce Point, and thus provides a tranquil sailing area into Bayside and beyond.  I might add that this area is very scenic and pretty as well especially just before sundown.  In addition, the local Northport Yacht Club conducts its weekend races in this area.  With rare exceptions, the first and last legs of each race go right through this area, as one of the race marks is located just south of Kellys Cove.  Tacking thru this area during a typical race is not the exception, it is the norm.  This activity has been ongoing for many years as has fishing/lobstering and simple recreational boating.   My final concern may not be fair to Mr. Larrabee but must be said anyway.  The two previous aquaculture operations in the area, one mussel farm located not too far to the south nearer Temple Heights, and the other an oyster farm located to the north up near Little River, left behind messes when they abandoned their operations.  Floating barrels and partially submerged barrels/lines were left behind which caused navigational problems periodically for mariners for years.  This did not settle very well with many of the locals, myself included, as we were left to take care of someone else’s mess.  It was my understanding that neither of these operations were very successful and Mr. Larrabee may want to find out why they were not successful since his location is between the two previous ones—just something for him to think about.  Finally, DMR and perhaps even Mr. Larabee may want to check water quality in the area as well as my recollection from my DMR days is that the stream which empties into Kellys Cove is somewhat polluted (coliform bacteria)  In addition, nearby Bayside has a municipal sewer system that is basically a primary treatment system followed by chlorination which discharges into the Bay not too far north of the proposed mussel farm location.  As I’m sure you know the area is closed to clamming etc.

From my perspective, as a recreational boater, sailboat racing enthusiast, and user of this area, I would prefer to see the operation moved further south closer to Spruce Point if possible.  If not, and the lease is granted then I guess we as locals will have to adapt.  If the lease is granted I certainly hope the area including the locations of moorings lines etc are well marked so that sailboats and other deep draft vessels can avoid entanglement problems.

I request to be kept informed of how this matter proceeds.  I may be reached at the address below or by phone at [redacted] (days).

Sincerely,