BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 10, 2025
Mere Point Oyster Co. in Brunswick has become a shining example of what Maine’s aquaculture industry says it can do for the state. But the operation has been controversial, taking fire from neighboring landowners and wild seafood harvesters who have expressed concern about its impact on the environment and the ability of vessels to navigate through its growing areas, as well as what they characterize as the industrialization of the ocean. Supporters of the aquaculture industry assert that scientific studies haven’t shown negative environmental impacts from aquaculture, that oysters can clean the water and that projects must go through a strict state regulatory process. The ongoing success of Mere Point has highlighted both the promise of the state’s aquaculture industry and the bitter debates that farmed seafood has spurred about the responsible use of Maine’s waters.