May 29 – Nordic Aquafarms has filed a lawsuit asking the Maine Superior Court to determine whether the Belfast City Council can reverse its decision to seize a tract of land the company needs to build its controversial $500 million Belfast fish farm build.
In 2021, Belfast City Council seized a parcel of tidal flats in part to ensure Nordic had access to Penobscot Bay, amid disputes over whether the company owned the land in question. But in May, the council voted unanimously to revoke the land seizure decision — a response to multiple lawsuits, including one in which a Waldo County Superior Court ordered Belfast to make a new decision on its eminent domain claim.
Nordic, the Norwegian developer behind what would become one of the world’s largest land-based salmon farms, said the lawsuit is a symbol of its commitment to Belfast and the project.
“Having the Supreme Court determine Nordic’s rights following the council vote is an important part of the development process, and Nordic is committed to seeing it through to a successful conclusion,” spokesperson Jacki Cassida said on Wednesday. “We are committed to Belfast and want to continue to deliver other economic benefits to Belfast and the surrounding region by completing the development of its fully permitted land-based aquaculture facility.”
Belfast attorney Kristin Collins did not immediately respond to requests for an interview Wednesday evening.
This story will be updated.
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