Coastal Waters
Protecting Maine’s iconic coastal waters is necessary for ocean wildlife, fisheries, tourism, and Maine’s economic future. NRCM works to promote healthy coastal ecosystems and reduce pollution entering coastal waters from multiple sources, including stormwater and industrial-scale aquaculture.
Maine’s rocky coastline supports working waterfronts, island communities, diverse ecologies, and wildlife habitat, and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Through land conservation and stronger environmental laws, we work to protect our coastal waters from pollution runoff from onshore sources and large industrial aquaculture.
Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater is one of the leading sources of pollution in Maine’s waters.
When it rains, water that flows off our streets, buildings, and lawns collects pollutants such as bacteria, nutrients, sediment, and toxic chemicals. When these pollutants eventually enter our waterways, they can cause issues such as beach and shellfish area closures, the growth of harmful algae, and contamination of drinking water sources.
We’re working with partners like Friends of Casco Bay to identify solutions to reduce the impact of stormwater pollution on our coastal waters.
Industrial-Scale Aquaculture
Industrial-scale fish farming threatens the viability of small-scale seafood producers, lobstermen, fishermen, oyster farmers, and kelp farmers, who rely on a healthy coastal and marine environment for their living. It also affects the health of the broader ocean ecosystem and wild fish populations.
Ocean-based salmon farming generates massive amounts of pollution and spreads disease. Existing fish farms in Maine and any proposals for future fish farms must be carefully scrutinized to ensure they meet strict standards for water quality, pollution reduction, protection of native species, and disease prevention.
Wastewater Treatment
In 2004, NRCM worked with Maine lobstermen to stop municipal sewage treatment plants from rolling back standards that protect clean water in Maine’s estuaries and marine waters. Because lobsters thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water, Maine’s lobster industry was very worried about this threat. Together, we defeated the efforts that would have allowed more pollution from sewage treatment plants and industries all along our coast.
We continue to advocate for increased investment in wastewater treatment from state and federal governments to help towns protect their surrounding waterways.