Are the vital resources that support commercial fisheries in your community disappearing? Are you afraid that when the next fish pier goes on the market no one will be able to afford it? Through a unique program that combines matching grant funds with the sale of development rights the Maine Department of Marine Resources wants to help...help address the high cost of commercial fisheries properties on the coast of Maine, and help protect these community assets for generations to come.
Through a competitive application process matching funds are available to assist commercial fisheries businesses, co-ops, municipalities and other interested parties in securing strategically significant working waterfront properties. Funds can be used to purchase a property, or for the purchase of access easements, rights of way, or development rights to preserve walk-in or small boat access properties entirely dedicated to commercial fisheries uses. Mixed use properties can also be considered as long as there is commercial fishing access associated with the property.
The Maine Department of Marine Resources has created a Working Waterfront Team and contracted with Coastal Enterprises Inc. to work directly with applicants to ensure that their project fits program criteria and to assist with the development of complete applications.
