04/03/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Mashpee Select Board Minutes April 3, 2023 APPOINTNVIENTS&HEARINGS Public Hearin New A_„g _. _quaculture Grant Application: 1.98wAcres IuottBarµ: Jaime Pachico: : .... n ... _..... ._._ .w . . _._... . l l _. _ M.M...M._...__ .... ww.,luoit Ba Jaime Discussion and Possible Alroval of New A uaculture Grant A lication:M 1.98 Acres Wac Pachico: The Select Board opened the Public Hearing by reading aloud the public notice regarding the application filed on November 30, 2022 by Jaime Pachico, 174 Lowell Road#51, Mashpee for a new Shellfish Aquaculture License (Shellfish Grant) for a 1.98-acre site,to be located in Waquoit Bay, to grow oysters, quahogs and bay scallops with bottom gear. Jaime Pachico was in attendance to review the grant application with the Select Board. Mr. Pachico is currently a commercial shell fisherman in the Town of Mashpee. Approval of this project has been received from the Shellfish Commission, Waterways Commission,the Shellfish Constable, and the Harbormaster. Mr. Pachico has met with the abutter who is in favor of this location and the enterprise as proposed. Ashley Fisher,Director of Natural Resources and Chris Avis, Shellfish Constable were in attendance in support of this project. A letter of support was also received by Robert Tomaino,Harbormaster for the proposed grant in the area of Seconsett Point Road within Waquoit Bay. The area does not pose any navigational hazards to the boating community nor does it pose any safety concerns. With approval, the area is required to be properly marked with shellfish area buoys. It was noted this area is not designated as a family shellfish area. The site is a very rocky bottom that is not heavily fished. There is no significant natural shellfish growth in this area. There is no eel grass. The site is ideal for quahog seed casting and bottom cages. The area lies in close proximity to natural habitat. It is anticipated the Division of Marine Fisheries would conduct sediment testing in normal course under permitting requirements. The Select Board opened the Hearing to solicit comment. Arden Russell asked why there is no business plan requirement. Ms. Russell asked if the applicant has the ability to implement this plan, and funding for the equipment needs. In response DNR Director Fisher indicated Mr. Pachico has been a commercial shell fisherman for a number of years and owns his vessel. Although there is no formal business plan in place, in the application process there is an assurance review to confirm the applicant is qualified and skilled to assume the responsibilities of the grant. The project is also monitored in the process to review the production value, and the gear as proposed for bottom placement. This is considered a business plan. Should the project discontinue,the area is left in its former state. The requirement is contained and detailed in the Mashpee Shellfish Rules &Regulations Plan. Being no further comment,the Select Board took the following action;