01/21/2020 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes

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Motion: Mr.Thomas moved to approve the 11/26/2019 minutes, Mr. Holmes seconded. Vote:3-0 all in favor Department of Natural Resources Shellfish Constable Report Shellfish Constable December 2019 Report Enforcement Shellfish Patrol Hours: 178 Contaminated Area Checks: 67 Shellfish Permit Checks: 293 Shellfish Seed Checks: 274 Shellfish Aquaculture (Grant) checks: 15 Violations: 0 In December a total of 178 hours were spent on shellfish patrols which includes 67 contaminated area checks, 293 recreational shellfish license checks, 204 recreational seed checks,4 commercial license and seed checks, and 15 Shellfish Aquaculture marker and gear checks. One encounter with a recreational harvester took place on December 20th at Mashpee Neck Landing. The induvial was seen harvesting over the limit of oysters on camera, but upon arrival it was found that he was fishing for Tribal elders that were present at the landing at the time of harvest. Private property continues to be used from access to the water for commercial harvesters. Homeowners are concerned about liability and having strangers enter their properties while they are not there. No trespassing orders can be issued by the Mashpee Police Department if future problems occur. Management The Shellfish Commission and Shellfish Constable continue to work on: Reclassification of the area to the left of the float at Mashpee Neck Landing.The Commission voted on November the 15th to reclassify the oyster seeding area at Mashpee Neck Landing to a family area.This area has had no previous classification by the town other than open to shell-fishing from November the 1st—March 31st.These date may change in accordance to the Division of Marine fisheries and rainfall totals exceeding the closure threshold.The family area designation has not yet been heard by the Board of Selectman, but is scheduled to be on the agenda in the near future. Mashpee Shellfish Regulations,Aquaculture Regulations, and Aquaculture Application forms.The Mashpee Aquaculture Regulations draft was submitted to the board in December, and awaits a committee vote.The final draft is expected to be approved by the end of January.