Aquaculture bill draws scrutiny at statehouse AUGUSTA—A bill seemingly proposed in response to a controversial salmon farm project in Frenchman Bay drew robust comment at the statehouse on Tuesday, with proponents arguing for a second look at the state’s aquaculture permitting process, while aquaculturists said the proposed changes could cripple a growing industry and be especially harmful to smaller businesses. The bill, LD 1146, presented by Rep. Robert Alley (D-Beals) and co-sponsored by Rep. Lynne Williams (D-Bar Harbor) seeks to examine the framework for aquaculture leases, look at how other states handle the burgeoning industry and review the state’s regulatory oversight.