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Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission <br /> 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee,MA 02649 <br /> Discussion Reizardint! Site Visit in Popponesset Bay <br /> Mr. Tomaino led a discussion regarding the Commission's recent site visit in Popponesset Bay and the <br /> status of the Town's shellfish resources, seeding efforts, and current inventory. Mr. Tomaino stated that, <br /> following the site visit, he met with staff to discuss whether the Town needed to purchase additional <br /> oyster seed. He explained that he asked staff to convince him why additional oysters were needed and <br /> that, after a lengthy discussion, he was not persuaded that additional oyster purchases were necessary at <br /> that time. <br /> Mr. Tomaino stated that staff later revisited the issue and agreed that the Division should focus on <br /> managing and organizing the oysters and gear already located at sites including Thatch Island, Little <br /> River, Great River, and other town waters. He stated that the Division needed time to better manage <br /> existing inventory, reorganize operations, and determine how to move forward more proactively before <br /> adding more oysters. <br /> Discussion followed regarding a previously planned oyster seed order. It was noted that the original order <br /> involved approximately 235,000 to 245,000 R6 oyster seed. Mr. Avis explained that approximately <br /> 180,000 of the oysters would be funded through a county bid or state-matching program and would not <br /> come directly from Town funds. The Town had also planned to purchase an additional amount of R6 <br /> seed beyond the county-funded portion. <br /> Mr. Avis discussed an alternative use for the R6 oyster seed rather than placing additional oysters into the <br /> Town's existing nursery or grow-out system. He stated that he had contacted a representative involved <br /> with oyster restoration work and discussed the possibility of growing the R6 seed to approximately 12 <br /> millimeters before using it to support an oyster restoration project. Mr. Avis stated that the seed could <br /> help provide additional shell material, assist with restoration efforts, and potentially contribute to future <br /> reproduction because the oysters were diploid. <br /> Members discussed whether the Town should continue purchasing oyster seed given the amount of <br /> existing inventory, staff workload, and current management needs. Some members expressed concern <br /> that the Division already had enough oysters and gear to manage and questioned whether purchasing <br /> additional oysters was appropriate. Discussion included whether the Town had any obligation to continue <br /> growing oysters for nitrogen-remediation purposes. <br /> Mr. Tomaino stated that the Department does not answer to the Sewer Commission or water-quality <br /> personnel and that he answers through the DNR Director structure to Town management. Discussion <br /> followed regarding whether the Town or Department was required to grow a certain amount of shellfish <br /> for nitrogen reduction. It was noted that previous management had operated under the understanding that <br /> shellfish propagation was part of the Town's nitrogen reduction planning, but members questioned <br /> whether that remained a current requirement or priority. <br /> Members also discussed the effectiveness of oysters as a nitrogen-removal too] and noted that nitrogen <br /> removal is based on shellfish weight rather than the number of oysters planted. Members also discussed <br /> concerns that oysters placed in certain areas, including portions of the Mashpee River, may not be <br /> providing meaningful filtration benefits due to weed growth and site conditions. <br /> 5 <br />