Shoreline Access

Mainers since Colonial days have retained the public right “To fish, fowl, and navigate the intertidal zone”.  Our understanding is that anyone recovering fishing industry debris with a compass in their pocket, below the high tide line is abiding by State Law unless the courts dictate otherwise.  Unique Maine statutes also provide strong liability protections for property owners of wild lands. 

With the above in mind there are other Clean Maine Shores considerations.  The vast majority of debris is blown by the wind or tossed by the waves well above the mean high water mark.  Generally property owners welcome assistance removing unwanted trash but we must respect the priorities of land owners.  If any of our volunteers ever happen to encounter a property owner that objects to the removal of marine debris please let our director or a board member know so that we can document and potentially discuss options with them.  There is no shortage of shoreline desperately needing attention so we can readily redirect efforts where most needed and valued.  

One can compare access for shore cleaning to similar roadside efforts.  The ocean is like the road where the public traverses.  The intertidal zone is like the road shoulder, ditch and edge where public rights exist yet vary based on property deeds, width of right of way, etc…  Above the high tide line and beyond the road right of way is clearly owned and controlled by someone.  While picking roadside soda bottles and wrappers one wouldn’t walk into a neighbor’s yard to collect a can, however if you saw obvious trash fifty feet back in a remote wooded section, you’d bag it.  Positive and respectful public interactions are a priority.

Closed Areas - Many Islands are closed seasonally to support nesting terns, gulls, petrels, puffins, eiders and more.  We are in the business of helping the natural world, so we must always abide by conservation closures.  

Marshes -  If not otherwise restricted please refrain from picking salt marshes seasonally from April 1 to August 15th.  Marshes are critical habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds and once again it is important to support the nesters.

Private Occupied Islands - During Maine’s summer season “cottage owners” may or may not wish to see volunteers picking debris.  Unless you know the owners or a Clean Maine Shores Steward has built a relationship with them, we should avoid occupied islands between May 15 and September 15th.  If the shoreline magically gets cleaned of debris each year it is a win all around.  Relationship building and communication with marine riparian owners is beneficial on many levels.

General Postings - Please respect no trespassing postings while representing and volunteering for Clean Maine Shores.  The need for beach cleaners is great and there are other special places to support if the land happens to be posted.