The center of the Kennebunk River is the border between the Towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport; the Town of Arundel borders the river along upper parts beyond the Rte. 9 bridge. The River and Mooring Basin is managed by a Harbormaster, and the Kennebunk River Committee, all of whom are appointed by the Boards of Selectmen of all three Towns.
From the breakwater up to a distance of about a mile, the river is a Federal Channel, which is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. Beyond that point, the channel is determined and maintained by the Towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The lower part of the river is marked by the US Coast Guard with navigation aids (red nuns and green cans). Awaiting federal funding, the Towns anticipate a dredge of the Channel and Mooring Basin, hopefully, in 2005.
The river boasts a diverse mix of both pleasure and commercial vessels. The main fishing industry here is lobstering and tuna fishing in the summer, along with shrimping in the winter. There are also several scenic and whale watch boats, as well as Charter Boats for fishing and sailing.
There are four marinas on the river, some of which accept transient boaters. The river also has a small amount of moorings for which assignees pay a $100 annual fee. Moorings are assigned through a Waiting List process at an annual cost of $10; residents and non-residents are eligible for a mooring. These fees help to defray the cost of managing the river.
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