07/07/2026 SHELLFISH COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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0*%1,1 Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee,MA 02649 NEW BUSINESS: Shellfish Constable's Report During June, the Division continued tumbling oysters at the Great River Nursery before shifting operations to Thatch Island to take advantage of favorable tides. Staff also assisted The Nature Conservancy and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries with seeding the Oyster Restoration Reef using overwintered oyster stock from Jehu and Hamblin Ponds. The Division received 1.5 million quahog seed, prepared FLUPSY docks and upweller tanks, and received 50,000 soft-shell clams, which were placed in the upweller tanks and were growing rapidly in preparation for planting. Employees completed annual CPR refresher training. Routine operations included cleaning silos, FLUPSY docks, upwellers, cages, bags, docks, and intake pipes; repairing gear; and preparing larger shellfish for transfer into the water. The new generator operated successfully during recent power outages, allowing pumps to continue operating without interruption. Compliance inspections were completed during the month without incident, and routine inspections of recreational shellfish permit holders found no violations involving harvest limits or shellfish size requirements. During discussion, the Commission heard that several potential planting locations for the soft-shell clams were being evaluated. Members also commented on the abundance of quahogs in local waters and the high level of compliance among recreational shellfish permit holders. The Division reported that increased patrols and assistance from the Harbormaster Division had strengthened enforcement efforts and that the Department had received positive feedback regarding its propagation and enforcement activities. Introduction of Caroline Larsson to the Commissioners as the newest Deputy Shellfish Constable The Commission was introduced to Caroline Larsson, the Department's newest seasonal Deputy Shellfish Constable. It was reported that the position was recently created to strengthen the Department's enforcement staff. Ms. Larsson completed the Shellfish Constable Training Course at Cape Cod Community College on her own time over a four-month period and has served as a seasonal employee with the Department since 2021. The Commission was informed that the position was created with the support of the Town Manager and that Ms. Larsson was appointed by the Select Board on June 22, 2026, following an interview process. Commission members welcomed Ms. Larsson and commended her dedication and contributions as a seasonal employee. They noted that Department staff had consistently spoken highly of her work and emphasized the importance of experienced seasonal employees returning each year. The Commission also expressed its commitment to working collaboratively with Department staff in support of Mashpee's shellfish resources. ADDITIONAL TOPICS None discussed. 3