ME LD2025

Creates a new limited-purpose license for aquaculture nursery and husbandry activities, allowing placement of early-stage marine organisms and short-term husbandry work (maximum 6 months) at coastal sites below mean low-water mark

Sets license application fee at $400 (nonrefundable), with exemptions for municipal shellfish management committees and municipal officers conducting non-commercial projects

Limits gear/equipment footprint to 1,600 square feet and requires no discharge into coastal waters, with violations carrying fines of at least $100 per offense

Establishes formal lease amendment process for existing aquaculture leases to add species (fee up to $200), gear categories (fee up to $500), or equipment/structures (fee up to $500), with public notice and comment requirements

Allows commissioner to authorize temporary operational modifications to leases to address environmental conditions affecting public health or cultured species health