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Kingfish Maine moves ahead as Jonesport residents reject aquaculture moratorium

Jonesport residents have rejected a proposed moratorium on local aquaculture development, clearing the way for Kingfish Maine to proceed with its final approvals for its recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) project.

The proposed moratorium asked for a six-month stop on aquaculture development in the are which “could pose a threat to the quality of life and the health of town residents.” Residents that attended the public meeting on July 20 voted against this proposal by 201-91 votes.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming local support at the town vote,” said Ohad Maiman, The Kingfish Company CEO, in a press release. “When we chose the Jonesport site, we spent significant time getting to know the community and making certain we were welcome. This vote confirms that that we have made the right choice.”

The Kingfish Company is preparing for the last of the critical approvals needed for its project in Jonesport, Maine. The RAS facility is planned to produce 6,000 to 8,000 metric tons of Yellowtail kingfish annually upon completion. The project’s building application is currently under review by the Jonesport Planning Board. Another Planning Board review is set for Aug. 2.

“The defeat of the moratorium demonstrates that town residents have confidence in Jonesport’s Planning Board and the existing town ordinances,” said Megan Sorby, Kingfish Maine operations manager, said in a press release. “We have said from the beginning we want to be in a town that will welcome us as a collaborating business partner, one that will provide jobs and economic benefits to the community. We are thrilled to see the confidence of this town in their own town government and in the potential of this project in Jonesport.”

Kingfish Maine has received all Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) and US Army Corp of Engineers permits.

“We are grateful for the continued support we receive from the town of Jonesport and look forward to working with the Planning Board as we proceed through the municipal process,” said Sorby.