12/12/2023 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes

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They will be leaving the pumps at the docks at Ockway Bay to help to mitigate ice around the pilings. Chris stated that they attended an MSO meeting in Sandwich and that the only thing he can report is that the FDA will be getting finicky on growers pertaining to bringing shellfish in during the summer months. They will need to know the water source being used for icing down the shellfish. It was reported that Jaime Pachico got approval for his grant off of Seconsett on the Waquoit Bay side. They are awaiting paperwork from the Burtis'. Chris stated that Mike Ronhock told him that he has pulled all gear from his site and is getting out of the business. Chris is awaiting a letter from him stating that he is relinquishing his grant. Chris distributed a shellfishing map of the Popponesset Bay and stated that he is proposing opening up a portion of the spit out to Little Point as a family shellfishing area. Chair Thomas made a motion to support the Constable's plan to extend family shellfish area out towards Little Point. Motion seconded by Mr. Christensen. Motion was passed by majority with Chris Avis abstaining. Co -Chair Cook expressed concern about the number of oysters that are on order. He questioned what the plan is for the oysters once they of size. Chris stated that they are running low on stock right now but that 20% of the oysters that were grown from seed this past year were ready for the fishery and he expects that 700,000 of the seed they are going to be growing will be ready for the fishery next year. Chris went on to report that he spoke with the County and that they are trying to develop a program where the Town will be able to donate oysters to the food bank. He stated that he would also like to have more floating gear and the oysters can be put into them for a couple of years. He said that he thinks that a 2 or 3 year oyster is viable. He said that, for some reason, the oysters grow much quicker in Popponesset Bay than they do in Waquoit. Co -Chair Cook said one million oysters is a big undertaking and asked if the reasoning behind it is based nitrogen remediation. He stated that he was told that we are not held to any numbers and Chris said that it is his understanding that they are held to a number but that the number is unrealistic in the 20 million range. Co -Chair Cook said that there need to be a clear path as to where the oyster are going to go. There was a discussion about how much labor is involved between oysters and quahogs. Co -Chair Cook suggested meeting onsite as a Commission to go over it. Chair Thomas suggested revisiting the seed order and the plan for the oysters at the next meeting. Chris continued his report stating that they are putting a new roof on the shack at Little River as well as upgrading the electric. He stated that there is currently 100 amp service there and they are upgrading to 200 amp. Co -Chair Cook asked if they were doing away with the land based tanks given the amount of power they draw versus the FLUPSY's. Chris said there is no plan to do away with them at the moment and that they use them for the runts that seem to grow very well in them. Co -Chair Cook said that FLUPSYs move a lot more volume with less electricity. Space for more FLUPSY docks is limited. Ockway Bay is a possibility and Chris would like to see if something could be done at Mashpee Neck. Chris reported that he has been working with the County and the Tribe in a kelp planting endeavor off of Gooseberry Island. It is said that it removes nitrogen. Hopefully it will grow. It was reported that the fishery at Mashpee neck was opened November 1 It. 24,780 oysters have been dropped since the opening and as of week ending 12/2/23 it has been recorded that 21,150 oysters were taken.