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�04%k1M { <br /> Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission <br /> : z 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee,MA 02649 <br /> Discussion also included the historical relationship between the Town's shellfish propagation program <br /> and nitrogen-remediation planning. Members discussed whether previous shellfish production goals were <br /> driven by nitrogen-reduction objectives and whether those objectives should continue to influence future <br /> propagation decisions. <br /> Discussion then shifted to whether the Town should place greater emphasis on quahogs instead of <br /> oysters. Members stated that quahogs may provide broader benefit because they can be harvested year- <br /> round by recreational and commercial shell fishermen, require less infrastructure, and do not require the <br /> same level of cage and gear management as oysters. <br /> Members also discussed the possibility of continuing limited oyster growing while experimenting with <br /> scallops, surf clams, soft-shell clams, and additional quahog seeding. <br /> Commission members discussed quahog planting strategies, including planting heavily in suitable areas, <br /> using netting for protection, allowing seed to grow to a larger size, and then relaying stock to other areas <br /> if necessary. Members discussed prior seeding efforts in Popponesset Bay, Mashpee River, and other <br /> family shell fishing areas, including questions regarding survival rates, harvesting pressure, and whether <br /> prior plantings had produced sufficient return. <br /> Members also discussed oyster seed sizes, including the use of R6 seed and smaller R2 seed. Mr. Cook <br /> expressed interest in exploring R2 seed, noting that smaller seed may be available earlier, may be less <br /> expensive, and may provide an opportunity to purchase greater quantities. Discussion included the <br /> potential advantages and disadvantages of R2 seed, including cost savings, earlier delivery, infrastructure <br /> needs, growth potential, and possible mortality concerns. Mr. Avis stated that he would look into pricing <br /> and availability for R2 seed and compare it with the larger R4/R6 seed typically purchased. <br /> Members discussed the need for additional field review of planting areas. A future site visit was <br /> discussed to evaluate Popponesset Bay and other shellfish areas, including potential quahog planting <br /> locations and areas where prior seeding had or had not been successful. Members suggested that staff and <br /> interested Commission members meet outside of a formal meeting,provided Open Meeting Law <br /> requirements were observed, to review possible planting strategies and locations. <br /> Further discussion occurred between Mr. Cook and Mr. Avis regarding the proposed purchase of <br /> approximately 235,000 to 245,000 R6 oyster seed and the potential use of those oysters for restoration <br /> purposes. Mr. Cook questioned whether additional oyster seed was necessary given the quantity of <br /> oysters already being maintained by the Division and noted that significant oyster inventory was <br /> observed during the Commission's recent site visit. Mr. Cook expressed the view that existing oysters <br /> could potentially be utilized to support restoration efforts rather than purchasing additional seed. <br /> Mr. Avis explained that the proposed oyster seed would not be intended for public harvest but rather for <br /> restoration activities. He noted that the Town's restoration efforts had received positive feedback from <br /> restoration professionals and regulatory agencies and that there was interest in observing the work being <br /> conducted in Mashpee. Mr. Avis stated that restoration partners had expressed support for the concept of <br /> utilizing additional seed to enhance restoration sites. <br /> 6 <br />