Concerned in Blue Hill

As residents of Blue Hill, we wish to register our strong opposition to the Atlantic Salmon Co.’s request for a lease to cultivate salmon and blue mussels in Blue Hill Bay off Long Island.

The 27 acres of pens would be a visual blot on our otherwise unspoiled vista, and would require navigational lights as well. Generators for lights and to regulate water temperature, plus acoustical devices to discourage seals or other predators, would result in unacceptable noise levels.

Waste products would not only cause strong odors, but disease, and if not cleared, form a mat on the bottom which kills other species and their food supply.

Penned salmon need artificial coloring added to food in order to maintain the normal pink color for market. What effects would the farm have on the ecology of Blue Hill Bay? Traffic on the bay would increase, a hazard to fishing boats and recreational sailors. Trucks to market the salmon would add to the traffic on land.

There would be a lowering of property values. There would also be a decline in tourism. We can think of no positive reasons for the granting of this permit, except for the benefit of the Atlantic Salmon Co. Why should Blue Hill be sacrificed for this? James Jaffray Helen Jaffray Blue Hill