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6 <br /> Board of Selectmen <br /> Minutes <br /> March 2, 2020 <br /> Public Hearing Proposed 1 9 Acre Non-Commercial (Family) Shellfish Area at Mashpee Neck Landing: <br /> Department of Natural Resources Director Richard York, Shellfish Constable Ashley Fisher: <br /> The Board of Selectmen opened the Public Hearing on the proposed changes to the Shellfish Regulations, <br /> specifically, a proposal to designate 1.9 acres of area at Mashpee Neck Landing as a non-commercial, family, <br /> shellfishing area. Pursuant to MGL Chapter 130 § 52, designation of a family shell fishing area would prohibit <br /> commercial shellfishing in this area. <br /> In accordance with posting procedures,the Hearing notice was read into the record. Ashley Fisher, Shellfish <br /> Constable was in attendance to review the proposed changes with the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Fisher indicated <br /> by designating this area, more shellfish would be available for family fishing at the Mashpee Neck Landing. In <br /> addition to oysters, quahogs and soft-shell clams are harvested in this area. The Mashpee Neck Landing site <br /> would be used to offset parking. <br /> The commercial harvest of shellfish in areas designated as non-commercial (family shellfishing) allows for <br /> suspension or revocation of State commercial shellfish permits for this violation. <br /> Being no comment,the Board motioned to close the Public Hearing. <br /> Motion made by Selectman Sherman to close the Public Hearing. <br /> Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. <br /> VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. <br /> Roll Call Vote: <br /> Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes <br /> Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, none <br /> In considering the proposed change Selectman David W. Weeden conveyed concern to the Mashpee Wampanoag <br /> Tribe, and the tension that may result with respect to the Tribal members who shellfish commercially in this area. <br /> For many Tribal members this is their livelihood. Ms. Fisher was asked if she has reached out to the Tribe to <br /> solicit endorsement of the proposed designation. <br /> Ms. Fisher responded by stating there is no viable products in this area for commercial harvest. This is one of the <br /> few areas suitable for family shellfishing. It was disclosed the Daniels Island site has been removed as a family <br /> shellfishing area, and it is a more favorable habitat for shellfishing for commercial use. Selectman Weeden was <br /> agreeable with the alternative site planned for the commercial harvest of shellfish. <br /> Motion made by Selectman Sherman to approve the proposed changes to the Shellfish Regulations; <br /> specifically, a proposal to designate 1.9 acres of area at Mashpee Neck Landing as a non-commercial, <br /> family shellfishing area effective; March 2, 2020. <br /> Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. <br /> VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0-1. <br /> Roll Call Vote: <br /> Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes <br /> Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden, abstained Opposed, none <br />