NEW! Aquaculture Application Portal
Apply for your lease site electronically using the Aquaculture Application Portal. Before applying, please make sure you have reviewed the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). To apply for a new lease with the system, you first need to create a login for LEEDS.
ALREADY HAVE A LOGIN?
After you have created a login, go to the LEEDS login screen, then click on the 'Aquaculture Lease Application' link.
You already have a landings number and login if you are:
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Aquaculture harvest license holder
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Reporting landings
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Certified dealer
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Fishing license holder
Instructions on how to update your contact information in LEEDS (PDF)
Video showing you how to update your contact information in LEEDS
Instructions on how to switch between Maine LEEDS Licensing and Aquaculture homepages (PDF)
NEW USER?
If you have never logged into LEEDS before, you will need to go to the LEEDS login screen, then select the 'Create Login' link.
If you have had licenses with the Department, you already have a landings number.
- Please be sure that once you create your login, that your landings number has not changed.
- If your landings number is different once you create your login, please contact the Licensing Division before moving forward in the system.
- If your SS # is not correct in our system, or the FEIN # has changed, you will need to contact the Licensing Division to update it.
Questions or issues regarding the Aquaculture Application Portal: email DMR Aquaculture Division at DMRAquaculture@maine.gov or call 207-350-7815.
Experimental Lease Applications and Forms
Experimental (limited-purpose) leases are small in size (up to 4 acres) and short in duration (up to 3 years). Experimental leases were created to allow for commercial and scientific research on sites before a longer or larger lease is needed. These leases are granted with fewer application requirements and do not require the same level of review as standard leases. Experimental leases cannot be renewed unless they are for scientific research. An experimental lease for commercial research expires at the end of the 3-year period. The leaseholder may then apply for a standard lease.
Standard Lease Applications and Forms
Standard leases are bigger (up to 100 acres) and longer in duration (up to 20 years) than experimental leases. Standard leases are issued for both bottom and suspended culture and of shellfish, finfish, and/or marine algae. Standard leases can be renewed, transferred, amended, or expanded.
Limited-Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) License Applications and Forms
The limited-purpose aquaculture (LPA) licensing program provides applicants with the opportunity to obtain a one-year license to rear specific species using particular gear types that cover no more than 400 square feet. Because the license is specific to certain gear and certain species on a very small amount of area, licenses can be approved without the extensive review that is required for either an experimental or standard lease. The intention of this program, developed at the suggestion of shellfish growers, is to streamline the permitting process so that growers can "try out" different locations prior to applying for a lease.
Emergency Shellfish Lease
For existing shellfish lease holders the Department has the authority to issue an emergency lease to allow shellfish stock to be moved temporarily off an existing lease when the health and safety of the shellfish are threatened. The emergency lease can only be granted for a period of six months.