Whether the 1,000-acre aggregate lease acreage for aquaculture leases established by DMR Rule ch. 2 section 2.12(3) should be reduced;

Whether to recommend a statutory change to 12 M.R.S. section 6072(12-A) to make aquaculture leases nontransferable so that they revert back to the state as do lobster licenses;

Whether additional siting requirements and evidentiary showings should be imposed by Rule for leases within national parks, landmarks and areas of ecological significance;

Whether 20-year lease terms are too long to hold a piece of Maine’s publicly owned ocean, and the Department should by Rule impose a shorter lease term consistent with 12 M.R.S. section 6072(A);

Whether the statutory terms “unreasonable interference” in approving leases should be more specifically defined by rule to be a more objective and a less subjective standard that gives the decision maker less discretion.

Whether to make decisions on aquaculture leases based on Maine’s newly adopted Climate Action Plan: Executive Summary

Whether to adopt a policy that identifies stakeholders and gives them a formal voice to answer how, in specific lease applications, Maine can best honor its obligation to act in the Public Trust to shepherd marine waters and submerged lands in perpetuity and ensure sustainable development that provides the best use for a potential lease area with the lowest long-term risk.

Whether to adopt criteria that determines and identifies ‘best use’ for marine environments including non-commercial attributes such as views, protected status, habitats, and sustainability for independent workers equally with commercial interests.

Whether to require criteria addressing business integrity, a transparent business plan, ability to capitalize and provide security over the term of the lease, and ability to post bond adequate to cover any environmental remediation that may become necessary.

To address whether the existing regulatory framework provides adequate regulations, staffing, and funding to ensure appropriate oversight for the lease over its full term. Since leases will be granted for a specified term, should funding for the corresponding regulatory effort be escrowed in advance?

Whether to require assessment of the long-term and cumulative impact of current lease holdings on any pending lease applications in a bay or connected waterway.