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Coastal Management Policies (Maine Revised Statutes: Title 38 - Waters and Navigation; Chapter 19)

Country/Territory
United States of America
Territorial subdivision
Maine
Document type
Legislation
Date
2018
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Environment gen., Sea, Water
Keyword
Air quality/air pollution Protection of habitats Pollution control Marine pollution Coastal zone management Marine area Marine protected areas Maritime zone Mariculture Navigation Harbour Protected area Ecosystem preservation Wetlands Recreational water use Flood Hazards Public health Protection of environment
Geographical area
Americas, Arctic, East Pacific, North America, North Atlantic
Abstract

This chapter of the Maine Revised Statutes concerns coastal management policies. It declares that the well-being of the citizens of this State depends on striking a carefully considered and well reasoned balance among the competing uses of the State's coastal area. The Legislature directs that state and local agencies and federal agencies with responsibility for regulating, planning, developing or managing coastal resources, shall conduct their activities affecting the coastal area consistent with the following policies to promote the maintenance, development and revitalization of the State's ports and harbors for fishing, transportation and recreation; manage the marine environment and its related resources to preserve and improve the ecological integrity and diversity of marine communities and habitats, to expand our understanding of the productivity of the Gulf of Maine and coastal waters and to enhance the economic value of the State's renewable marine resources; support shoreline management that gives preference to waterdependent uses over other uses, that promotes public access to the shoreline and that considers the cumulative effects of development on coastal resources; discourage growth and new development in coastal areas where, because of coastal storms, flooding, landslides or sea-level rise, it is hazardous to human health and safety; encourage and support cooperative state and municipal management of coastal resources; protect and manage critical habitat and natural areas of state and national significance and maintain the scenic beauty and character of the coast even in areas where development occurs; expand the opportunities for outdoor recreation and encourage appropriate coastal tourist activities and development; restore and maintain the quality of our fresh, marine and estuarine waters to allow for the broadest possible diversity of public and private uses; and restore and maintain coastal air quality to protect the health of citizens and visitors and to protect enjoyment of the natural beauty and maritime characteristics of the Maine coast.

Full text
English
Website
legislature.maine.gov