BRUNSWICK

Expanding permitted uses at the Mere Point boat ramp and revisiting what uses are allowed at the Simpson’s Point ramp are among the top priorities of those responding to an ongoing harbor management survey.

The survey is posted on the town’s website, www.brunswickme.org.

With several weeks left to go in the survey period, a snapshot of responses was presented during the Marine Resources Committee meeting Wednesday.

Some of those surveyed want swimming and commercial launching to be permitted at the Mere Point ramp, along with more mooring locations and increased access to them.

Others said they wanted a more definite use plan developed for Simpson’s Point, which may or may not include reopening the ramp to motorized boat traffic.

Judy Marsh, who owns Paul’s Marina on Middle Bay, said she wanted to ensure, if additional moorings are allowed, that permitting, installation and maintenance requirements would be standardized and aligned with those already approved for existing private recreational and commercial mooring owners.

Likewise, Scott Bodwell said he wanted to see execution of a plan for Simpson’s Point, not just “a plan that leads to more planning.”

Also Wednesday, Brunswick Marine Warden Dan Devereaux announced that a summit tentatively has been scheduled for sometime during the second week of December to discuss the state’s European green crab infestation.

The gathering will bring together representatives from across the state, nation and possibly other countries to discuss what can be done to manage or eradicate the invasive predator.

Green crabs are blamed for decimating the state’s softshell clam populations and destroying marine habitats that support other fisheries, amid wider concern that increasing water temperatures in the larger Gulf of Maine is beginning to upend Maine’s fisheries.

jtleonard@timesrecord.com

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