08/13/2019 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes

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I am hoping to schedule a demonstration at the senior center in either September or October. There I will hold a learn to shellfish course;this will include Scallop Harvest Methods, Quahog Harvest Methods, Soft-shell Clam Harvest methods, and finally Oyster Harvest methods. There was a grant opportunity emailed to me by the Division of Marine Fisheries this past month. The grant is directed to offer fund to municipalities solely to preserve recreational fisheries in Massachusetts. We will be requesting funds to support our ongoing efforts for security at our Town Landings.Theft occurs more frequently on the bays by individuals who own and launch their personal watercrafts. If we have surveillance we would reduce theft and thus preserve the fisheries in Mashpee. More recently we have deployed a water sampling unit in Santuit Pond to monitor the cyanobacteria blooms and their levels of toxins.The unit comers from a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute researcher whose lab works with Raman Spectroscopy and HABSTAT to identify species and toxins within fresh and seawater systems. Peter Thomas, in regards to the grant application for surveillance,thinks we should also look to the town for money. Now is the time to start,and ask every year if we have to.This is taxpayer money and we want to protect everyone's investment. Our security is an issue. Peter will find out more about what is involved/what we qualify for to make sure it's not a waste of time. Richard Cook said we need to push for it,wild fishery is a fraction of what it was. We need to be smart about where to plant and how to protect it. It might be cheaper than we think. Let's get advice from a professional that really knows. Ashley Fisher said we might have to contact Eversource because of no service/no cell towers. Peter Thomas said to explore more and report back next month. Peter Thomas asked how the floating bags are working out.Ashley Fisher replied that all are alive, but not growing fast. We have 10k pieces from Chuck Martinson in one tray,with about 50% loss in that tray.Surface water is fresher, but they get caught up in trays when it's really low tide.Wanted to try something suspended,there's no oxygen at the bottom. We're not losing them,just very slow to grow. 6mm oysters are probably about an inch. Richard York said mid-end of July they take a break, then all of a sudden grow. 2 inches is acceptable,give it the whole season. Old Business: Aquaculture License Area Availability/Moratorium Ashley Fisher said the moratorium passed for a 1 year period. We need to schedule 3 meetings to discuss guidelines, shellfishing regulations, and aquaculture regulations. Peter Thomas said we definitely need all members present, he'll send out an email to all members to schedule meetings in October, November, and December. We'll find a night that works for everyone so everyone has time to do their homework and come prepared.