September 1, 2021 — Choosing Frenchman Bay makes American Aquafarms’ plans more controversial than they might otherwise be, a University of New England professor of ocean systems said.
The proposal, currently in a state-level permitting process with both the Maine Department of Marine Resources and Maine Department of Environmental Protection, would allow American Aquafarms, a Norwegian-backed company, to place large commercial salmon-raising operation in Frenchman Bay, which borders the park and nearby towns like Bar Harbor.
The farm will be 120 acres in size, according to Maine Public.
American Aquafarms says the salmon would be in closed pens and would represent a $250 million investment in the region that creates 100 jobs and includes a redevelopment of an industrial waterfront area in nearby Gouldsboro.
But opponents of the project, like those who were part of the protest, say they’re concerned about light pollution, noise pollution, environmental risks and tourists finding the farm unsightly.