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r <br /> 1 <br /> 5 PHILIP G.COATFs IOO �,qOOO <br /> DIRECTOR Modkt7ij ddQ,C, ,{?�,LdP L 0.�.�02 727-3193 <br /> July 12, 1989 <br /> Mr. Paul Sommerville <br /> Shellfish Constable <br /> Miashpee, Massachusetts 02649 <br /> Dear Paul: <br /> As per your request I have reviewed the Sabatia report for the proposed walk- <br /> way and float for Air. John italloy in Great River. The Division of Marine Fisheries <br /> has not conducted a survey of the site, therefore,I cannot make any statements <br /> regarding the potential environmental impact the project may have on Great River. <br /> However, there are a couple of errors which should be corrected. <br /> The amended summary, states that the Division of Marine Fisheries' "Rule of <br /> Thumb" for shellfish areas is: an area has commercial value if there are mreater <br /> than (2) two adult shellfish (>2") per square foot (s.f. ) and recreational value <br /> if there is 1 adult shellfish per square foot. The Division considers an area <br /> to contain significant shellfish if the square foot value is equal to or exceeds <br /> 1 quahog, 3 soft shell clams or 3 oysters. We do not separate seed from adult <br /> shellfish when determining significance. Seed shellfish is as important as adult <br /> stock. <br /> The transects (X&Y) occupy different depth strata and the substrates are <br /> different. The Division would take each of these factors into consideration <br /> when assessing the standing crop of the site. A third transect, located at the <br /> end of the float could have been useful in assessing the shellfish population. <br /> If this survey had been conducted by the Division, I would consider Transect <br /> X to contain a significant amount of quahogs (1.04/sq.ft. ), and possibly represent <br /> a deep water shellfish population. This is where the third transect would have <br /> been important. We do not take an average from the different transects when they <br /> represent different depths and substrates. <br /> If you have any questions, contact me at our Sandwich office (888-4043). <br /> Si erelJ� <br /> Flank J ermano Jr. <br /> Senior 'ologist <br />