Minutes
Minutes
Shellfish Advisory Board
April 5, 2017
Wellfleet Town Hall
Present: John Duane, Barbara Austin, Jacob Puffer, Tom Siggia, Zack Dixon, Jim
O’Connell, Brett Morse
Regrets: Rebecca Taylor
Others in Attendance: John Mankevetch (shellfish constable), Ed Tesson, Susan Tesson,
Mike Kubiak, Pat Woodbury, Jason Lance Weisman, Michele Insley, Kathleen Bacon,
Helen Miranda Wilson, Nancy Civetta, Dan Palladino
Meeting called to order, 7:05 p.m.
1. MINUTES
Barbara moved to approve the minutes from February 6, 2017. Jake seconded and
it was approved, 7-0.
Barbara moved to approve the minutes from March 23, 2017. Jake seconded and it
was approved, 7-0.
2. FRIENDS OF HERRING RIVER LETTER
Don Palladino thanked SAB for hosting the March 23 meeting. He said that some
fishermen have given positive feedback about the meeting. He reiterated that questions
are welcome.
Barbara noted the open dialogue that has been going on since the meeting.
3. STEVEN OLIVER'S LETTER ON PESTICIDES
Barbara read aloud a letter from Steven Oliver regarding the Mosquito Squad business
storing and using insecticides in Wellfleet. The letter explained the toxicity of these
chemicals to fish and aquatic life.
4. RECYCLING COMMITTEE - LONI CARLSON
- Biodegradable aquaculture equipment
Wire ties - 5 Gyres suggested that there is a company called Mango Materials in CA
that is attempting to manufacture biodegradable cable ties. Also, a man in England
has invented a biodegradable cable tie.
She also mentioned that the Center for Coastal Studies is interested.
Jim O’Connell said that he has been using reusable cable ties for years and he is
happy with them.
Brett mentioned that he has seen some in the wild.
Helen brought up that the issue of cable ties has been up before SAB before and
there are regulations on the books.
Barbara asked John if cable ties could be added to the grant inspections.
Loni emphasized that anything durable and reusable is the best.
-Polystyrene ban
Loni discussed the Plastic Ban Bylaw Amendment:
- Recycling committee brought 5 Gyres to Wellfleet last year. Their latest project
is to phase out polystyrene.
- The proposed bylaw would limit the use of disposable foam polystyrene food
service containers and cutlery in Wellfleet after June 1, 2018.
- After the 5 Gyres visit, NRHS students started the group called Youth Against
Plastic Pollution.
The recycling Committee has been presenting to local businesses and bringing in
purveyors of sustainable products. The also compiled a list of renewable resources which
is available on their website and in print.
Loni showed examples of polystyrene products and their alternatives. She emphasized to
look for #3 and #6 plastics (they are the bad ones). She also pointed out that some corn
starch based plastics are less expensive than polystyrenes.
She next talked about micro plastics and oysters (and other sea life).
- It is indistinguishable from plankton.
- Damage occurs when plastics attract pollutants (such as DDT) or when bacteria
(like vibrio) colonize it.
- A 2016 study concluded that even low levels of polystyrene affected oyster
growth and health.
Considering that by 2050 there will be more polystyrene micro plastic than plankton in
the oceans, the Wellfleet Recycling Committee would like the support of SAB on this
proposed bylaw.
Jake Puffer moved that SAB recommend the approval of the polystyrene ban bylaw,
John Duane seconded and the motion was approved, 7-0.
5. SHELLFISH DEPARTMENT
- Spat collectors in The Cove
John Mankevetch said that DEP wants a legitimate map of the hat area. All hats
must be kept within the marked area. He also said that October 20 will be a hard
deadline. If hats are left out past that, they will be confiscated by the Shellfish Dept.
Barbara asked if we should find a place different than the Cove for hats. John said
there is enough room there and there is always the option putting the hats on the
licensed site.
SAB will discuss this again after John talks to DMF and Conservation Commission.
- Opening dates for shellfishing in The River
John said the last several March’s it has been cold and it would be far healthier for
the oysters if the River opened no earlier than April 1 rather than no earlier than
March 15. He said the pickers have been mostly agreeable to the idea.
Barbara asked about cultch. John said that it is becoming extremely difficult and
expensive to get cultch, but he will keep trying.
6. BEACH CLEAN UP
Beach clean-up scheduled for May 20.
Jake will get the date into the newspapers and contact the Park Service. Barbara will
contact the DPW and the Audubon.
7. BARBARA REPORTING ON OYSTERS SENT TO DIANE MURPHY
Some oysters are very chalky. Barbara called Diane Murphy and Chris Schillacci. There
are similar problems in Duxbury and Nantucket. She hasn’t heard back yet. Barbara’s
theory is that it is from the cold. Pat Woodbury said that as lactic acid build up during
cold months the oyster recruits some of the calcium to buffer the acid. Jim O’Connell
said that he had this issue 10 or 12 years ago.
Barbara said that she will let us know when she hears back.
8. OTHER TOPICS
Brett wants us to consider dredging Keller’s Corner for quahogs.
Helen wants Wellfleet to consider not having a recreational shellfishing industry.
Tom wants an update on the Shellfish Management Plan.
Barbara wants to revisit the Shellfish Management Plan.
Brett asked about signage at Town Landings regarding mud holes.
Zack asked for feedback from SAB members on the lack of mitigation plan for shell
fishermen in case of closure related to HRRP.
NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR AT 7:00 PM
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.