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r, <br /> Land Steward Program <br /> Discussed previously <br /> Water Quality Monitoring <br /> Mr. York reported that Ponds and Lakes Program(PALS) and the estuary monitoring were <br /> continuing. <br /> Estuary Restoration/Shellfish Propagation <br /> Mr. York stated that the oyster project for Mashpee River/Nlashpee Neck had included <br /> approximately 1000 oyster seed bags per year, containing 1 million oyster seed. Mr. York <br /> reported that the area at Mashpee Neck opened on November 1 with very positive results. Mr. <br /> York reported that oyster seed had begun to set by itself in Popponesset Bay, which has not <br /> occurred since the 1980's and Mr. York shared examples of seed oysters setting on solid services <br /> such as mussels and rocks. Mr. York stated that the seed purchased for the oyster project would <br /> clean up 10% of the Mashpee River and indicated that the spawning was unexpected and has <br /> occurred in a significant amount. Mr. York stated that expansion of shellfish farms such as the <br /> Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's farm and Mr. Cook's Ockway Bay farm have hit the critical <br /> threshold of biomass of oysters providing sufficient larvae. An increase to 10 million oysters or <br /> more could possibly clean up the entire system, though sources would still need to be addressed. <br /> Mr. Theis suggested that the proliferation of oysters may assist in buying time for the Town to <br /> address the sources and sewering. Mr. York has requested that residents return their oyster shells <br /> to the bay allowing the seed to survive. <br /> Regarding the quahog project in Waquoit, W. York reported that the three million quahog seed <br /> grew very well, some of which are over '/2 inch. Mr. York will overwinter them, with nets,to <br /> improve their chances for survival and allow them to increase in size. A big set of quahogs in <br /> Waquoit Bay has also occurred as a result of seeding and wild quahogs, as well as from the 22 <br /> acre shellfish grant in Sepuit River which has been a big source of spawning for seed. <br /> Mr. Theis inquired about harvesting excess algae and Mr. York responded that there had been <br /> recent discussion. Mr. Theis stated that there had been discussion regarding algae fuel in <br /> aviation; with pilot projects occurring in Woods Hole. Mr. York noted that the Tribe was very <br /> interested in the possibility. <br /> CORRESPONDENCE <br /> MEETING ADJOURNMENT <br /> Mr. Theis made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. York. <br /> The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> fennif r M. Cliffo <br /> Board Secretary <br /> LIST OF DOCUMENTS <br /> -Discussion Items for Mashpee Land Stewardship Program <br /> 4 <br />