HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-2-7Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members Present: Brace, Blount, Gullicksen, Ken Kuntz, Andy Lowell and Fritz
McClure
Members Absent: Joe LiPuma
Staff Present: Kaitlyn Shaw
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order @ 6:02 PM
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved with two changes; Discussion of Proposed Amendment
to Shellfish Regulations is postponed; Koontz requested that = discussion of
NOAA grant be added.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The January 17th minutes were approved with minor corrects; Blount abstained.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
The meeting time for March 7th has been changed from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT
None - no staff present.
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NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Ms. Shaw stated that there is a study relating to the effect of codium on Eelgrass.
Member Lowell requested additional information about the study.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/ NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORTS
The Chair recognized members of the public who attended expecting the
discussion of the NDR's proposed amendments to Shellfish Regulations even
though the item has been removed from the agenda. Mr. Russell and Mr. Ames
spoke to the issue and stated that; no other fishery requires work as a condition
to grant of license; neither felt the requirement was needed; fishermen will
volunteer, but better communication needed. Incentives might work better. Some
members of the Board also spoke. Some preferred incentive approach and
improved communication. Member Brace stated that he supported the
amendment; Member Gullicksen stated that NRD should determine if the use of
incentives would violate state law.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Alternative Dredging Equipment: Member Kuntz reported on his research:
MIT and a manufacturer in Long Island (RA Ribb) have alternative designs that
have proven to be effective if used correctly. Member Blount stated that dredges
used in Nantucket were developed with sandy bottom in mind. There are no skids
and we use a metal bar rather than chain on the front of the dredge. Member
Lowell stated that new dredges would be a financial burden for the scallop
fishermen. The Nantucket dredges are also narrower than those used in other
areas. Additional changes to the existing dredges might reduce any adverse
effect on eelgrass.
2. Green Crabs: Member Kuntz reported on his research of the topic. They are
heavy eaters of eelgrass and one of the 100 most invasive species; In MV
Constables set traps to catch them; In Welifleet there is a bounty paid per pound
of Green crab. Ms. Shaw stated that the NRD was reviewing this issue. It was
stated that they are considered a delicacy in Italy.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Trash management on Ferry Docks: Member Lowell commented that trash
seems to pile up in receptacles on the ferry docks. Upon motion made and
seconded, it was:
Voted: that the Chairman shall draft a letter to area businesses to make them
aware of the problem.
2. Member Kuntz stated that NOAA has a Resiliency Program for Eelgrass with
application deadline on March 17, 2017. Ms. Shaw said that she would bring the
grant to the attention of NRD.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
None
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Letter to businesses regarding trash receptacles at Ferry docks.
NOAA Resiliency Grant.
NRD proposal to amend Shellfish Regulations.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned @ 7:25 PM