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Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, November 17, 2014

Minutes

Shellfish Advisory Board
November 17, 2014
Town Hall Hearing Room

Present: Barbara Austin, Barbara Brennessel, John Duane, Joel Fox, James O’Connell, Helen Miranda Wilson, Jacob Puffer (alternate)

Regrets: Rebecca Taylor

Others in Attendance: Andrew Koch (Shellfish Constable), John Mankevetch (Assistant Constable), Alfred Pickard, Gary Burgess, Russell Apgar, Fred Richard

 

  1. Convened at 7:10 pm
  2.  Minutes from October 27, 2014 were approved after revision (6-0).
  3. The Draft Annual report was accepted after minor revision.
  4. John Duane announced that some of the letters that were written by the SAB regarding menhaden initiatives paid off and stocks appear to have increased.
  5. Review of the use of Petite Oyster permits: Helen MW reviewed the discussion that we had regarding individuals who had permits to sell petites who also wanted a commercial license.  The SAB also reviewed the regulations and agreed that the current regulations are adequate.  Petit permits must be held for the entire year. 
  6. Blood Ark Regulation: Helen MW talked to Mike Hickey about a regulation regarding blood arks.  We had a lengthy discussion about noncommercial and commercial catch limits and the type of equipment.   We agreed to include blood arks in the 10 quart/week shellfish limit for noncommercial permit holders and 5 bushels/day for commercial permit holders.  The motion was approved 6-0. Helen MW will prepare the regulation for the BOS.
  7. Harbor Master’s response regarding height of equipment: The Harbor Master is firm about the 18 inch height restriction for aquaculture gear. There was also a discussion about removing gear before the Harbor freezes.  Andy Koch proposed a process for inspection of gear before it is deployed in the spring. There was no resolution to the issue. Barbara Austin will ask the Harbor Master to attend a future SAB meeting to continue discussion on this issue.
  8. Outreach to shellfish community about new dates for issue of Wellfleet Commercial Permits: The Shellfish Department will reach out to the community.  Helen MW proposed an electronic notification.
  9. There was a brief mention about the meeting that was held today regarding the proposed Vibrio Management Plan for 2015.
  10. Next meeting: Monday, Dec. 15 at 6pm
  11. Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Brennessel