NEWCASTLE

Demand for Maine oysters is growing, but regulations on the cold-weather storage of the delicacy prevent some aquaculturists from accessing stock during winter.

Until the last few years, oyster farmers sold only about nine months out of the year, said Bill Mook, an aquaculturist on the Damariscotta River. But now, with demand rising, Mook and other harvesters want to sell year-round.

Oysters grow best in the warm, upstream locations on oceanic rivers such as the Damariscotta or the Bagaduce. In the spring and summer, temperatures there can reach 60 degrees, optimal growing conditions for the American oyster.

But cold winter temperatures often cause ice at the river’s surface, making it difficult for harvesters to access their stocks. In a perfect world, Mook said, farmers could simply move the stock downstream, closer to the open ocean, where temperatures vary far less, for winter storage. It’s still too cold for the oysters to grow, but at least farmers could easily get to their stocks.

Last year, Mook obtained a nonrenewable experimental license to do just that. But if he wants to keep weighing anchor in warmer waters, he will need to get another standard aquaculture lease, just like he did for his growing site upriver.

The state says a standard lease application can take 14 months to process; Mook said it’s more like two years.

Mook argues he shouldn’t have to apply, saying his winter site is only used for “wet storage,” a permitted activity for licensed shellfish dealers.

State Rep. Mick Devin, DNewcastle and marine biologist at the University of Maine lab in Walpole, submitted a bill aimed at streamlining the wet storage permit application process while still retaining some level of public input.

The bill seeks to allow farmers to more easily access oyster stocks in the winter.

Devin said his bill would make a difference for Maine oyster farmers, many of whom operate on the Damariscotta.

The Department of Marine Resources won’t offer a position on Devin’s bill until the final draft is available.

Oyster landings in the state peaked at 5 million pounds in 1990, a number that now seems preposterously high. In the 2000s and 2010s, landings have leveled off to 700,000 pounds, with some variation year to year.

Demand continues to grow, pushing the price higher each year. In 2012, oysters averaged $2.36 per pound, according to DMR data. That’s the highest price Maine oysters have ever fetched — despite a slump in landings that year, likely caused by the deadly MSX disease that struck oyster stocks in 2011.

“Although we’re trying to make this easier for a small businessman, they’re still utilizing a public resource,” Devin said. “As a result of that, I believe there has to be a public comment.”

FOR MORE, see the Bangor Daily News at bangordailynews.com.