Minutes

Minutes
Shellfish Advisory Board
October 7, 2015, Town Hall

Present: Barbara Austin, Jacob Puffer, Tom Siggia, Rebecca Taylor, John Duane, Zack Dixon

Regrets: Jim O’Connell

Others in Attendance:  Andy Koch (constable), John Mankevetch (assistant constable), Fred Richard, Pat Woodbury, Curt Felix, Wil Berrio

Meeting called to order, 7:00 p.m.

1. Minutes from September 9, 2015 accepted, 6-0.

2. SHELLFISH DEPT. CONTRACT FOR OVERWINTERING GEAR

Andy Koch presented a contract to be signed by any grant holders who want to overwinter gear. He said that although regulations for this already exist, a contract would enable him to know whose gear is left out and punish those who violate the rules without punishing those who are not in violation.

Barbara asked if this contract will be added to the regs and suggested that the two be reconciled to contain the same information.

Andy said he will present the contract as is to the selectmen, then figure out where in the regs it needs to go.

Pat asked if this contract would make the town more liable than without.

Andy added that even though regs regarding overwintering are already on the books, a written and signed contract would create a feeling of responsibility/liability amongst those who have signed.

John Duane made a motion to support the concept of a written contract . Jake Puffer Seconded. The motion was accepted 6-0.

3. DISCUSSION OF THE COVE

Date of Removal of Hats:

Andy reminded the board that according to the Wellfleet Shellfish Dept. regulations offsite SPAT collection is permitted during spawning season, which is usually June 15 – Sept 15. Barbara read from the regulations to add that they state that the dates are “determined by DMF”.

Andy said that recently (and for the first time) he received an e-mail from Chris Schillaci (DMF) stating that hats must be removed from the cove by Sept. 15.

Andy contacted Mike Hickey who said that an extension might be possible.

Wil Berrio brought up that many years (this year included) the seed is not ready to be removed from the hats by Sept. 15.

Curt Felix suggested that SAB recommend to DMF that the date for removal be changed to October 15.

John Duane made a motion to send a letter to DMF recommending changing the date of removal of hats from the cove to October 15, for propagation reasons. Jake Puffer seconded. The motion was accepted 6-0.

Andy suggested that SAB not send a letter to DMF. He said that he has a good relationship with Mike Hickey and DMF and that they seem amenable to changing the removal date for next year. He will work on it, and if needed SAB can send the letter at a later date.

John Duane made a motion to rescind the previous motion. Jake Puffer seconded and the motion was accepted 6-0.

State of the Cove:

John Mankevetch said that the cove looks decent and Andy added that it would not be great because of lots of death last winter.

Barbara asked for thoughts on whether hats in the cove take away from SPAT set on the culch there.

John said that he thinks that may be the case.

Curt Felix stated that it would be hard for him to believe that hats are negatively affecting the set. He sees no reason to limit the number of hats or their placement in the cove.

4. STATE OF THE HARBOR CONFERENCE AND INTERNATIONAL OYSTER SYMPOSIUM

John Duane brought a handout of DMF stats of seafood landed at Wellfleet Harbor. He requested that SAB and others present look at the stats to see if they seem correct.

After discussion and input from Andy and John, it was determined that most numbers were extremely implausible or outright wrong. John stated that the only plausible numbers were oysters and quahogs.

Pat Woodbury suggested that John Duane go back to DMF for clarification.

Discussion of the oyster symposium:

• 4 day event in Falmouth, Oct 21 – 23
• It is a trade show for Chefs, hatcheries, Nature Conservancy and growers.

5. TOPICS FOR NEXT MEETING

• Discussion of ways to give the Shellfish Dept. more disciplinary power
• Annual Report
• Grant Map for Boaters

NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED FOR WED, NOVEMBER 18, 6:00 PM

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.