Standard Aquaculture Lease Application

Introduction | Pre-Application Requirements for Standard Lease Applications | Standard Lease Application Forms | Additional Application Forms for Existing Standard Leases | Standard Lease Laws and Regulations

Introduction

A standard lease permits the lease holder to culture finfish, shellfish, and/or marine algae on up to 100 acres for 20 years.

The standard lease application process changed effective April 1, 2019. A detailed overview of the standard lease application process, including information on the changes, can be found here:

Pre-Application Requirements for Standard Lease Applications:

Please note that the first step in the standard lease application process is attending a pre-application meeting with the Department and the municipality (usually represented by the harbormaster). Your draft application will be due to the Department 4 months after the pre-application meeting.

Please contact DMRAquaculture@maine.gov to arrange this meeting. Contact us early in your planning for a lease application; it will help both you and the Department a great deal.

Standard Lease Application Forms:

There are two types of standard leases: discharge and non-discharge. A discharge lease application is required when the proposal includes the addition of feed (pellets, kelp, etc.) or additives (therapeutants, chemical treatments, drugs, etc.) into the water. Pick the appropriate application for your proposal from the options below.

Applications must be submitted using the forms currently hosted on this website. Please be sure your submission reflects the most current version of the respective form. Submissions that are made on discontinued forms may be returned to the applicant

Additional Application Forms for Existing Standard Leases

Lease and LPA Renewal Applications:

Lease Transfer and Amendment Forms:

Lease Expansion Forms:

Information on expanding existing standard aquaculture leases can be found in the lease expansion guidance document: Lease Expansion Guidance Document - pdf

Standard Lease Laws and Regulations: