09/09/2025 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee,MA 02649 conditions underfoot, and when combined with the poor pitch and obstructive pilings, it has transformed what should have been an improvement project into a liability for the town. Mr. Pfundstein voiced his deep concern and spoke at length about his disappointment with the outcome. He reminded the Commission that he had first raised concerns in January, submitting photographs and written observations about the flawed design. Despite those early warnings, the project was completed. He explained that he has since spoken to no less than 16 or so boaters who found the ramp nearly unusable, and he personally suffered damage to his boat while attempting to launch. In his view, the pilings are unnecessary. Other ramps in Mashpee, such as those at Seconsett, Popponesset, or Great River, do not rely on such structures and are easier to navigate as a result. He argued that their inclusion here introduces unnecessary risks and increases the likelihood of accidents. Beyond the inconvenience, Mr. Pfundstem stressed that the town now faces a potential liability issue if the defects are not corrected promptly. He strongly urged that a clear, written timeline for repairs be produced so that residents and commercial operators can plan accordingly. Chair Thomas acknowledged and validated Mr. Pfundstein's concerns, agreeing that the absence of a corrective timeline in the Memorandum provided by DNR Tomaino is unacceptable. He noted that while the Commission can and should advocate for a solution, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Natural Resources and suggested that the most productive course of action would be for the Commission to formally request a written schedule of corrective measures and, in the meantime, for individual commissioners to raise their concerns directly with the Select Board to ensure that the urgency of the matter is fully appreciated at the policy level. The discussion concluded with consensus that the situation represents a serious failure in oversight and project management. Members agreed that the boat ramp, originally intended to be an improvement, has instead become a source of hazard, liability, and frustration for the community. To restore confidence, the town must establish a formal timeline for corrections, communicate it clearly to stakeholders, and ensure that access to the fishery remains open and safe throughout the repair process. NEW BUSINESS: Shellfish Constable's Report Seed Acquisition and Distribution Oyster: Constable Avis reported that the oyster stocks are in excellent condition this year,positioning the town for what he anticipates will be a full and productive harvest season at the Seconsett Island Causeway. This location has historically been one of the most reliable and productive sites in town, providing both recreational and commercial harvesters with steady access to oysters. One of the most notable upgrades has been the deployment of newly designed oyster cages. In prior years, traditional cage models proved vulnerable during stones and strong tidal events, often leading to partial washouts in which young seed oysters were displaced or buried. Such losses not only reduced the season's yield but also represented a waste of both staff time and financial resources invested in acquiring and planting the seed. The new cage designs address these issues directly. Constructed with sturdier materials and a reinforced framework, the cages are better able to withstand the force of wave action and shifting currents. In addition, the design improves water circulation around the oysters, which is critical to their health and growth. By ensuring a steady flow of nutrient-rich water, the cages help promote more uniform growth rates and reduce the likelihood of stress-related mortality. He noted that early observations from this season have been highly encouraging. The oysters are growing evenly, with consistent shell development and no evidence of disease, stress, or abnormal 2