SOUTH PORTLAND — Friends of Casco Bay is nearing its application deadline to replace the venerable baykeeper for Maine’s Casco Bay who retired this year.

Former Casco Baykeeper Joe Payne retired in January after almost 24 years on the job. The South Portland-based environmental organization is taking applications for his successor until 5 p.m. Monday.

The nonprofit organization says the new baykeeper will serve as an advocate and spokesman for the bay. It says the new baykeeper should have a background in environmental or marine science, environmental policy and regulations, or pollution response and abatement.

Casco Bay stretches from Cape Elizabeth to Bath. It is an important habitat for lobsters and many species of birds, fish and marine mammals.