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o There was an emphasis placed on market/removal noting that the removal of <br /> shellfish is critical for nitrogen credit,but actual harvesting rates (e.g., 20k— <br /> 150k oysters/year from a standing stock of up to 3M) are insufficient to make <br /> a meaningful impact on water quality targets. <br /> - Nitrogen Mitigation Plan and Oyster Stock <br /> o There was an extended discussion on the Town of Mashpee's official <br /> commitment to Nitrogen Mitigation through shellfish and the associated <br /> plan: <br /> ■ Recollection that the current approach ("do our best") stems from <br /> Select Board adoption of the plan based on scientific <br /> recommendations, but lacks a formal legal "mandate" <br /> ■ General frustration aired regarding practical constraints, such as seed <br /> supply, mortality, and lack of market/outlets for harvested oysters, <br /> which undermines nitrogen mitigation efforts. <br /> ■ Comparison with neighboring Towns, like Barnstable, which have <br /> more sewering and a different regulatory/motivational environment <br /> for shellfish use. <br /> ■ Suggestion that the plan may need to be revisited, as the approach, <br /> implementation, and circumstances have changed over the past <br /> decade <br /> ■ Practical aspects of management—such as the advisory-only nature of <br /> the commission and limited scope for decision enforcement—were <br /> highlighted as potential structural limits. <br /> Chair Thomas interjected and asked when the last was that the Comprehensive Nitrogen <br /> Mitigation Plan was revisited and suggested that a way to move forward was to contact Ashley <br /> and revisit the plan since the word "mandate" is not in the document. A possible goal for meeting <br /> is before early `fall. <br /> NEW BUSINESS: <br /> Mr. Avis brought up the Shellfish Regulation. Chapter 145 §145-1.9.4 - SHELLFISH <br /> Apuaculturre License Regulations:Exclusivity of license: subleasing prohibited, <br /> transfer of license—Licenses are issued to and for the exclusive use of the licensee, who <br /> may contract with or employ others to work for the licensee. Subleasing of the licensed <br /> area or portion thereof is prohibited. Licenses are renewable, heritable, and <br /> transferable, subject to the Select Board's written approval and pursuant to applicable <br /> provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 130. Licenses are transferable only <br /> after five (5)years from the original license issuance date, subject to review by the <br /> Shel'sh Division for reporting requirements and production standards and pursuant to <br /> the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 130. A licensee proposing to transfer his or her <br /> license shall first notify the Shellfish Constable in writing that he/she no longer wishes to <br /> operate the license and requests a transfer of his/her licensed area to a designated <br /> recipient. Such recipient shall thereupon file an application. Thereafter, the application <br /> shall be treated, insofar as apt, as a new application. If, however, the licensee is under <br /> any pending investigations or violations, the license may not be transferred. <br /> 3 <br />