DMR Solicitation of Public Comment Regarding the 700 Acre Island Dredge Project in Islesboro, Penobscot Bay

Pursuant to 38 M.R.S. §480-D, sub-§9, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is required to provide the Maine Department of Environmental Protection with an assessment of the impacts on the fishing industry of a proposed dredging operation. Gibson Point LLCis proposing to dredge an area behind an existing bulkhead adjacent to 700 Acre Island, off Islesboro, in Penobscot Bay. The project purpose is to ensure safe, all-tide, emergency access to the island.

The area will be mechanically dredged using barge mounted equipment, dewatered on a barge, and transported by truck to an upland disposal site. A map of the upland route from the dredge location to the disposal site can be found in the link below.

The total dredged area will be 14,828 square feet with a total volume of 1,270 cubic yards. The area will be dredged to a water depth of 14 feet. The dredging operation is expected to occur in October 2026.

DMR will accept verbal and written comments about the potential impacts on fishing in the area to be dredged. If 5 or more persons request a public hearing prior to April 20, 2026 DMR will hold a hearing. Comments should be sent to DMR at the email or mailing address listed below by 5:00 pm, April 20, 2026.

Department of Marine Resources, Attn: Environmental Permit Review, 21 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333 or email: [email protected].

Download a map of the travel route.