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LD 553

An Act To Assert State Sovereignty Over Ocean Waters And Marine Resources Up To 12 Nautical Miles Off The State'S Coast

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Scott Cyrway and 6 co-sponsors

Maine bill asserting state control over ocean resources 12 nautical miles offshore died in committee; would challenge federal maritime jurisdiction and reshape fishing/energy regulation authority.

Placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)
#3-milelimit #coastalwaters #marineresources
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Bill Summary · LD 553

Legislative bill overview

LD 553 seeks to extend Maine's state authority over ocean waters and marine resources to 12 nautical miles offshore, expanding beyond the current framework of federal-state jurisdiction. The bill died in committee on June 3, 2025, when the legislature accepted a "Ought Not to Pass" recommendation.

Why is this important

Ocean jurisdiction directly affects fishing rights, resource management, environmental protection, and economic activity. Control over these waters determines who regulates commercial fishing, aquaculture, renewable energy development, and pollution—issues worth millions annually to Maine's fishing industry and coastal economy.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority conflict: The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and federal maritime law already govern waters beyond state jurisdiction; this bill's legality under existing federal law is questionable
  • Commercial fishing implications: Expanding state control could benefit Maine fisheries but might conflict with existing federal fisheries management and interstate agreements on shared fish stocks
  • Renewable energy development: Wind and tidal energy projects in these waters are federally regulated; state assertion of sovereignty could create permitting conflicts and uncertainty for investors

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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