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Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee,MA 02649 <br /> Vessels: <br /> • Vessel S-1 remained in service at Ockway Bay. <br /> • Vessel S-2 was returned from the manufacturer with a new fuel tank installed and was being <br /> prepared for return to service, including maintenance, bottom painting, and installation of <br /> equipment and safety gear. <br /> • Vessel S-3 remained stored on its trailer and available for service. <br /> Little River: <br /> • Shellfish gear in Hamblin Pond and Jelin Pond was re-floated following the winter season. <br /> • Shellfish appeared healthy overall, although some cages sustained ice damage and appeared <br /> repairable. <br /> • Aquaculture and family shellfishing area buoys were deployed. <br /> Popponesset Bay/Mashpee River/ Ockway Bay: <br /> • Cages were re-floated and shellfish appeared healthy overall. <br /> • Buoys were deployed around farms and family shellfishing areas. <br /> Enforcement: <br /> • The fishery remained closed and no recent issues involving closure violations had been reported. <br /> • Twenty-two checks were conducted with no enforcement issues identified. <br /> Discussion followed regarding oyster stocking levels,restoration reef efforts, and long-term oyster <br /> management strategies. The Shellfish Constable explained that recent reductions in oyster seed stocking <br /> levels reflected prior discussions with the Commission regarding maintaining sustainable rotational stock <br /> levels while continuing restoration efforts. Discussion also occurred regarding the Department's use of <br /> floating bag systems, projected oyster inventory levels, and plans for future oyster placement and reef <br /> replenishment. <br /> Members discussed oyster mortality concerns associated with aging oyster populations and boring <br /> sponge damage. It was stated that some older oysters could eventually deteriorate if not harvested or <br /> relocated. Discussion further occurred regarding maintaining manageable oyster quantities, continued <br /> annual stocking practices, and balancing restoration goals with recreational shellfishing opportunities. <br /> Additional discussion occurred regarding the condition of oysters currently in the water, survival rates <br /> from prior years' stocking efforts, and the potential benefit of conducting a site visit to review oyster <br /> conditions and inventory levels. The Shellfish Constable stated that data sheets had previously been <br /> provided to the Commission and invited members to observe conditions in the field. <br /> Further discussion followed regarding oyster allocations for restoration reefs, continued replenishment <br /> efforts, and the availability of oysters for recreational harvesting. Members also discussed re-floated <br /> aquaculture gear,buoy placement, and recent coordination with the Division of Marine Fisheries <br /> regarding GPS verification of aquaculture locations and permit markers. <br /> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <br />