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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee, MA 02649 <br /> COC 174 Lowell Road Unit#51,Jamie Pachico.Waquoit Bay Aquaculture. US Anny NAE-2024-00134 <br /> The discussion centered on an aquaculture farm operated by Jamie Pacheco, originally approved in 2023. <br /> Staff noted that while no in-person inspection had yet been conducted, a review of current GIS aerials, <br /> including Google GIS imagery from 2025confirmed that all cages are aligned with the original permit <br /> application. Observations even showed Mr. Pacheco accessing the site by boat, indicating active operation. <br /> There were no issues identified, and the project was deemed compliant. <br /> The request for a Certificate of Compliance (COC) arose because Mr. Pacheco is selling his condo unit, <br /> which had been the address tied to the aquaculture permit, and moving to a larger home. Staff explained that <br /> permits must be linked to a physical address; in this case, the only available address was the condo. The <br /> aquaculture operation itself will continue, and the Army Corps of Engineers permit remains valid until 2028. <br /> Staff confirmed that issuing the COC for the condo unit does not affect ongoing operations and any future <br /> oversight will fall under the shellfish constable. <br /> MOTION: To approve the COC for 174 Lowell Road, Unit#51. <br /> Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded bv: Sandi Godfrey <br /> Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. <br /> (Steven Coop, Sarah Thornbrugh, Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, <br /> Seana Pitt, Richard Sahl) <br /> NOI: Notice of Intent <br /> AOOC: Amend Order of Conditions <br /> EXT: Extension <br /> RDA: Request for Determination of Applicability <br /> COC: Certificate of Compliance <br /> Discussion: (Public Comment solicited for each discussion - *3 minutes per comment) <br /> • Water Quality: Issues and initiatives (ongoing discussion item) <br /> o The discussion focused on recent observations of juvenile herring leaving the ponds. <br /> Staff reported that thousands of herring are actively moving out of ponds, though not <br /> yet from the Childs River. The Quashnet River is currently experiencing active <br /> outmigration, and while one pond remains slightly low even after recent rainfall, the <br /> five inches of rain received has significantly improved conditions. A specific <br /> observation on October 13 recorded about three to five juvenile herring per step <br /> during sampling, with individuals around eight inches long—typical for this stage. <br /> o Questions arose regarding the potential mortality if herring were to overwinter in <br /> ponds instead of migrating. Staff noted that mortality is not well-documented, as <br /> tracking typically begins when fish reach a larger size in the ocean. Overwintering in <br /> ponds is not uncommon, and once rainfall increases and water flow is restored, <br /> herring generally flush downstream successfully. Although some mortality likely <br /> occurs, it is not expected to be significant, and the expectation is that herring in <br /> 13 <br />