09/09/2025 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee,MA 02649 SHELLFISH COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 9, 2025—6:OOPM MASHPEE TOWN HALL— 16 GREAT NECK ROAD NORTH WAQUOIT MEETING ROOM PRESENT: Chair, Peter Thomas, Shellfish Constable, Chris Avis, Buddy Pocknett, Dwight Pfundstein, Darryl Christensen ABSENT: Bill Holmes, Dick Cook, Jamie Pachico CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Chair Thomas called the meeting to order in Open Session in the Waquoit Meeting Room at 6:02PM. PUBLIC COMMENT: None at this time. MINUTES: Discussion and approval of July 8, 2025, Shellfish Commission Meeting minutes. MOTION: To approve and accept the Minutes. Motion by: Chris Avis Seconded bv: Darryl Christensen Vote: The Motion passed unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE: Not discussed OLD BUSINESS: Boat Ramp Issues The Chairman opened the discussion by reviewing a memorandum from the DNR Director, Robert Tomaino, regarding the recently constructed boat ramp funded through the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The ramp project had been intended to improve access for commercial shell fishermen, recreational boaters, and residents, reflecting the town's longstanding commitment to supporting water-based activities and local fisheries. However, Director Tomaino confirmed that the ramp was built with an incorrect pitch. Instead of providing a gradual incline suitable for safe and efficient launching, the ramp forces vehicles to back much farther into the water than is typical. This design flaw not only creates hazards for drivers and vehicles but also makes launching and retrieving boats more difficult, especially for larger vessels. Compounding the issue, pilings were installed on either side of the ramp and their placement at this site has proven counterproductive. Instead of assisting boaters, the pilings obstruct the approach, limiting maneuverability and causing damage when boats come into contact with them. Director Tomaino acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and stated that the matter has been referred to legal counsel. He reported that the Department of Public Works is actively evaluating potential corrective actions and assured the Commission that, throughout any remediation, access to the shellfishery would not be interrupted Several members emphasized that uninterrupted access to the fishery is non-negotiable. The ramp is a critical point for both commercial shell fishermen, who rely on timely access for their livelihood, and for recreational users, whose fees and participation help sustain the program. Any extended closure would not only inconvenience the community but could also have economic consequences for local fishermen and businesses. It was added that the riprap installed adjacent to the ramp has already created dangerous 1