11/12/2025 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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�04%k1M { Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission : z 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee,MA 02649 definitions regarding license transfer, and clarified fee language, were reviewed aloud to ensure all members were in agreement prior to voting. The Committee voted to formally approve the condensed, reorganized set of commercial and recreational regulations and fees. These consolidated regulations bring together previously scattered multi-page documents into a more readable and enforceable format, addressing longstanding questions, updating terminology, and resolving internal contradictions. The Committee expressed appreciation for the substantial amount of work performed to consolidate the material into a user-friendly document accessible to residents, aqua culturists, and enforcement staff. MOTION To approve the condensed, reorganized set of Commercial and Recreational regulations and fees. Motion by: Peter Thomas Seconded by: Chris Avis Vote: The Motion passed unanimously. Constable Avis will prepare the final version of the regulations to be placed on the December Select Board agenda for public hearing and adoption. Members acknowledged that the fee section will likely generate the most questions from the public and Select Board and agreed that they should be prepared to clearly explain the rationale for the modest increases and the connection to propagation costs, staffing, and water-quality efforts. NEW BUSINESS: Shellfish Constable's Report Constable Avis noted that all floating gear requiring overwintering has now been sunk with markers All signs delineating the seasonal closure have been taken down. All areas have been opened (except prohibited) as the water samples taken by DMF are clean. He reported that upwellers, flupsy tanks, and dock systems have all been cleaned and winterized. Oysters sampled from Great River and Mashpee Neck Landing were tested at Roger Williams University and returned VP, Dermo, MSX, or SSO, confirming excellent stock health. He also provided an update on the winter kelp cultivation project, noting that staff are coordinating with Mashpee Neck Boat Yard and New Seabury Marina to locate suitable docks for kelp lines, and an additional anchored line is planned for Hamlin Pond. Kelp grows during the winter months and plays a significant role in nitrogen removal. He noted that approximately 250,000 oysters have recently been dropped at Mashpee Neck, for the oyster fishery. He also reported that the harvest cage at Seconsett Causeway is functioning well and naturally self-cleans due to wave action. Oyster Restoration Project Begins the week of November 17-20, 2025. Approximately 140 cubic yards will be moved placed in triangular mounds at a small (<1 acre) site. Constable Avis explained that the restoration program requires a five-year caretaker commitment, funded by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and that similar projects have shown strong success using older, disease-resistant oysters to form natural reefs. 3