Maine Sea Grant College Program
Dear NHA feasibility study review team ,
5741 Libby Hall Orono , ME 04469-5741
Phone 207.581.1435 Fax 207.581.1426 seagrant . umaine . edu
5 / 27 / 21
Maine Sea Grant is pleased to write this letter in support of National Heritage Area ( NHA ) designation in the Downeast Maine region . A Natural Heritage Area designation will help businesses , communities and initiatives in the Downeast Maine region thrive in the face of the many changes afoot in our naturalresource based economy .
Downeast Maine is a nationally significant region that includes two of the nation ’ s counties ( Washington and Hancock ) that are among the most dependent on marine resources . Our lobster fishery is renowned around world , and our history as a critical cod fishing ground is legendary . Our communities have been reliant on the sea for generations , and the growth of aquaculture in the region illustrates how this connection to the sea will persist . Time and again , surveys show that our tourists are enthralled by our stillactive natural resource-based economy and that they want experiences that bring them closer to the people who live off the land and the sea . And yet , warming waters and other challenges are triggering change that could alter a century ’ s old way of life .
Maine Sea Grant envisions a future in which Maine ’ s coast and inland regions are resilient to challenges and changes — resilient communities continually gather the necessary skills , knowledge , and resources ( human and physical ) to plan for , cope with , and thrive in the face of both predicted and unexpected change . An NHA designation would bring critical skills , knowledge and resources to the region .
Our staff have been active on the Downeast NHA feasibility study advisory committee , helping represent the perspectives of the many stakeholders we serve in the region , including fisheries , aquaculture , tourism and working waterfront industries . We find widespread support for the concept of NHA designation in the region among our industry stakeholders as well as the municipalities and non-profits with whom we collaborate in various community and economic development initiatives , such as the Downeast Fisheries Trail and the Downeast Fisheries Partnership .
We are committed to remaining active through the development of this process by contributing our time to this important initiative , supporting the development of the management structure , and offering timely information about regional and national research and economic development opportunities that would complement the National Heritage Area designation .
Thank you ,
Gayle Zydlewski , Maine Sea Grant Director
Natalie Springuel , Maine Sea Grant staff on NHA feasibility study committee
Maine ’ s Land Grant and Sea Grant University One of Maine ’ s public universities
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