09/09/2024 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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S Soptumbor 9, 2024 APPOINTMEN'rs & HEARINGS PUblic Hearing: Prp,posed Reclassificatiori. of the Southern Portion of the Great The Reclassification -will esigL d igg phis Area as both Cman omercial d Farni Sh 11fihi'_ s �:n Shellfish Constable lg. Chris )her Avis: Shellfish Constable Christoohier Avis: _ . . .............. ...... ........... . . . . . ...... . .. ..... .. ..... . � ........... a. Discussion and Apprgyq] pfReclassification. of the Southem Portion of the Great RiverFaznilv Shell fishing Area. The Reclassification will de at this Area as both Cornmercial and rn I . ....... . .......... lla �Shellfi The Select Board opened the Public Hearing to discuss the proposed reclassification of the southern portion of the Great River Family Shell Fishing Area. The reclassification would designate this area as both coiritnercial and family shell fishing to allow for the removal. of existing stock to create a more favorable environrnent for the growth of smaller shellfish seed. �i I Christopher- is, Sliellf'sh Constable was in attendance with members of the Shellfish Cornmission to review -the proposed reclassification. Mr. Avis indicated this proposal was brought to the attention of th. e Shellfis'h Commission by one of the members at their July meeting. '11w current fwnily shell fishing area is seeded by the Shellfish Department each year to give the .family permit, holders an opportunity to shellfish away fron-i corrin-iercial shell fishermen. It is estimated the Shelffinst.1 Department seeds 800,000 quahogs per year at this site. However, the area, has limited digging due to diffitLdfieS in accessing the area located within. Great, River south of tile South Cape each association beach.. It was noted the family shell fishing area encompasses the entire length of the area including, a spot north of the association beach. There are also existing comn-wreial shell fishing sites around this location. Mr. Avis indicated there is a need to harp est the larger stock of quahogs to allow the new seed to gr(-.)w. Thus, creating the need for assistance ftorn the commercial shell fishermen to dig and transport the larger stock of quahogs out of this area. At present, only Maslipee cotniinercial shell fishermen would be allowed to access this area. Currently, there are 1.5 permitted commercial license holders., For some, this is apart -time job., For others, it is a full-time livelihood. Of the five Shellfish Cornrnission members, two arelicensed commercial fishermen. .1 larvesting shell.fish is a necessary component to improve water quality. Discussion followed regarding the, proposal and if it would be determined as a permanent solution. For family permit holders, the largest obstacle is access., The Shellfish.Department was noted to evaluate the shellfish area constantly, and it is possible the area would revert todarn ifly recreation only. Asses&ixient includes searching the bottom areas to estimate the natu.ral set ofpropagation. Waters are also tested and monitored on, afrequent basis., .1 t was noted that an area if undisturbed wou Id resu I t In a hard, solid bottom with poor water qua] i �-y and no harvest. 4