07/07/2026 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes (2)

Home Browse Search

�04%k1M { Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee,MA 02649 The Department reported that Chris Dewey would be interviewed as the next individual under consideration for the vacated grant. Additional interest had also been expressed by another individual from Falmouth and by Attaquin Mills. Commission members discussed whether Attaquin Mills was Rob Mills' son and a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and asked whether there would be a different process if an applicant were a tribal member. No conclusion was reached. The Department explained that the current grant site would not fall under the Town's moratorium because it is within the Harbor Management Plan. It was further explained that the Harbor Management Plan is expected to identify additional aquaculture expansion areas, with approval anticipated in approximately one year. The Department also discussed its long-term goal of identifying and permitting aquaculture areas in advance so that prospective applicants could select from pre-approved sites rather than complete the full permitting process for each location. The Commission discussed reviewing the aquaculture regulations and the interview process for selecting future aquaculture grant holders after the summer season. Chair Thomas concluded the discussion by commending Department staff for their documentation and presentation to the Select Board and noting the Board's continued support of the Department's enforcement efforts. Commission Members Voting Status: Discussion and vote on proposed Warrant Article submission for October Special Town Meeting Chair Thomas opened discussion on the proposed amendment to the warrant article. This is to change the voting membership of the Shellfish Commission for consideration at the October Special Town Meeting. He explained that the proposal,previously discussed by the Commission, would remove the Shellfish Constable as a voting member and add one at-large voting member, reflecting the Commission's advisory role. The meeting date was adjusted to allow the warrant article to meet the submission deadline for the October Town Meeting. DNR Director Tomaino reviewed the proposed warrant article, explaining that the revisions update references from "Selectmen" to "Select Board," add the required explanatory statement for the warrant, and modify the Commission's membership by replacing the Shellfish Constable with an at-large member. He further explained that,based on guidance from Town Counsel, the current Shellfish Constable would remain a voting member until the expiration of the current appointment on June 30, 2027, after which the revised membership structure would take effect. The Commission discussed the proposed composition of two recreational members, two commercial members, and one at-large member, and members expressed support for the proposed membership structure. The Commission also discussed the provision allowing Associate Members to serve as voting members when necessary to establish a quorum so Commission business could continue.Discussion also addressed the future review of the Commission's regulations and membership structure as needed. MOTION: To approve the proposed warrant article for submission to the October 2026 Special Town Meeting. Motion by: Peter Thomas Vote: Passed unanimously. Chair Thomas confirmed that a quorum was present and declared the vote official. 2