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�04%k1M { <br /> Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission <br /> : z 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee,MA 02649 <br /> SHELLFISH COMMISSION <br /> MEETING MINUTES of MARCH 10, 2026—6:OOPM <br /> MASHPEE TOWN HALL— 16 GREAT NECK ROAD NORTH <br /> POPPONESSET MEETING ROOM <br /> PRESENT: Chair,Peter Thomas, Shellfish Constable, Chris Avis, Darryl Christensen, Dwight <br /> Pfundstein and Jamie Pachico <br /> ABSENT: Bill Holmes, Richard Cook, and Buddy Pocknett <br /> CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Chair Thomas called the meeting to order in Open Session in the <br /> Popponesset Meeting Room at 6:OOPM. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: None at this time. <br /> MINUTES: Discussion and approval of February 10, 2026, Shellfish Commission Meeting minutes. <br /> MOTION: To approve and accept February 10, 2026, minutes with minor edits. <br /> Motion bv: Darryl Christensen Seconded by: Peter Thomas <br /> Vote: The Motion passed unanimously. <br /> COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE: <br /> None discussed. <br /> OLD BUSINESS: <br /> Chair Thomas informed the Commissioners that he had emailed the Harbormaster to notify him of the March <br /> 10, 2026, Shellfish Commission meeting and to offer the opportunity to share any updates regarding the boat <br /> ramp. The Harbormaster responded, copying the DPW Director, that he did not have any new information to <br /> report.. <br /> NEW BUSINESS: <br /> Shellfish Constable's Report <br /> Winter Conditions and Fishery Status <br /> The Shellfish Constable reported that extended cold weather in February caused both bays to freeze, limiting <br /> access to many shellfish areas. A late-month blizzard further delayed reopening fisheries and created difficult <br /> conditions at several ramps. As a result, stocking activities have been suspended and the Seconsett Causeway <br /> fishery remains closed. The shellfish cage at the Causeway is iced in and the stairs and beach are covered with <br /> heavy snow, creating hazardous conditions. Safety signage has been installed advising individuals to stay off <br /> the ice. Staff continue to monitor the area during low tides, supported by cameras, as some individuals have <br /> cut holes in the ice; however, walking on saltwater ice is unsafe and strongly discouraged. <br /> Maintenance and Upweller Remeshing <br /> The Constable noted that February's ice conditions limited time on the water but allowed staff to focus on <br /> maintenance activities, including remeshing equipment and performing routine repairs. At the Little River <br /> facility, staff have been remeshing the upweller silos, replacing the mesh bottoms used to contain shellfish <br /> seed. After researching alternatives, the department identified a more rigid silo option using a septic riser <br /> system that may improve durability and significantly reduce maintenance time. Unlike the current method, <br /> 1 <br />