1987-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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A project is underway with the help of a volunteer for Report of the cultivating a currently unproductive but historically productive area in Waquoit Bay. The bottom sediments Shellfish Commission have been tilled, and sediment grain analysis and seed surveys have been conducted to monitor the productivity To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the area. The work will continue in 1988. and the Citizens of the Town of Mashpee: Oyster propagation efforts were not resumed in 1987 be- The following report summarizes management recom- cause it appears that a disease specific to oysters exists at mendations,propagation efforts,shellfish harvest and per- least in Popponesset Bay. Scallop season was not produc- mit holder information, shellfish regulation enforcement, tive n 1987 for the commercial shellfisherman but family environmental concerns of the Shellfish Commission,and permit holders willing to invest considerable effort were future plans of the Shellfish Department. usually rewarded. No new shellfish closures occurred in 1987 due to pollu- In the second year of a shellfish program funded on a tion problems but existing problem areas did not show full time basis both commercial and family shellfishermen signs of improvement. Water quality is suspect in several enjoyed a productive year of shellfishing in Mashpee areas and has the potential of falling below the standards waters. set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and A recommendation to close Popponesset Spit to soft- the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference(ISSC).The shell clamming in the peak summer months was generally Shellfish Commission strongly supports efforts aimed at well received as people comprehended how quickly the soft- controlling pollution to our marine environment including shell clam population could be decimated by the large sum- but not limited to failing or marginally operating septic sys- mer crowds. The area is reserved for the family permit tems,road runoff,ground water laden with high nutrient holder only,and provides excellent clamming in the spring, levels,waterfowl,boat septic discharge, and resuspension early summer, and fall.With this practice,the spit should of bottom sediments. not have to be closed for a period of several years in order The Shellfish Commission looks forward to the possibili- for it to repopulate, since it will not be fished out and seed ty of having a full time assistant this summer. The pro- should not be damaged.A similar recommendation to close posed individual will work under the direction of the Shell- Popponesset Spit in the peak summer months of 1988 will fish Constable and the Harbormaster in the enforcement be made. People enjoyed quahogging at Popponesset Spit of shellfish and waterways regulations and the daily activi- and other locations in town for shellfish that was trans- ties of both departments. The Shellfish Department will planted in 1986 and made available in 1987. also attempt to provide additional service with respect to The Board of Selectmen and the Shellfish Commission the sale of shellfish permits early in the year. held a series of public hearings to deal with problems I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, the De- associated with waterfront homeowners and shellfisher- partment of Public Works, the Police Department, Park men. Several regulations were added to the existing rules and Recreation Dept., and all other departments,commit- to help deal with the potential conflicts between shellfish- tees, and commissions, as well as the Division of Marine ermen and people that swim in front of their homes. Fisheries Technical Assistance Program, Karl Rask and Refinements were also made in designation of different Sherril Smith of the Extension Service,the Shellfish Com- locations specifically for commercial versus family shell- mission members and all the other volunteers that have fishing. provided considerable help in working towards the com- The Shellfish Department expanded on its seed quahog mon goal of improved shellfishing for the future. propagation prgoram. 240,000 seed quahogs were pur- HARVEST DATA chased and raised in a protective nursery system employ- Softshell Clams 745 Bushels ing the most recent advancements in aquaculture technol- Quahogs 519 Bushels ogy.The quahogs grew very well throughout the summer, Bay Scallop 200 Bushels and were planted on the bottom in the fall using different LICENSES strategies based on the size of the seed. Large amounts of Resident Family 329 seed were planted in Great River, Little River, and Pop- Non-Resident Family 6 ponesset Bay. Experimental numbers of seed have been Commercial 11 planted at several other locations. Sr. Citizen 260 A relay of contaminated adult shellfish was not con- LAW ENFORCEMENT ducted in 1987 because of lack of funds. Limited amounts Town Bylaw Violation Citations 8 of clean adult stock was purchased and planted in key loca- Warnings 20 tion with good access for people without boats.This aspect of the Shellfish Department's propagation efforts has been Respectfully submitted, well received. David J. Ryan, Natural sets of quahogs and softshell clams have been Shellfish Constable identified and appropriate closures may be recommended if needed to protect the resource. - 96 - i