AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)   Maine officials are granting a public hearing to a group of lobstermen and others who are concerned about the growth of aquaculture in the state.

The group has said an increase in the number of new aquaculture licenses could make it difficult for lobstermen to lay their traps. The group submitted 189 signatures to the Maine Department of Marine Resources calling for a rulemaking process about the issue.

Marine resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher sent the group a letter April 10 saying the department will consider proposed rule changes about aquaculture. Keliher’s letter says the department plans to hold a public hearing on the subject before June 1.

Lobsterman John Powers of Brunswick says the state needs to ensure “aquaculture can grow but not at the expense of the $500 million dollar lobster industry.”