HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-15Harbor and shellfish Advisory Board
Minutes
July 7, 2015
Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members Present: Peter Brace, Wendy McCrae, Bill Blount, Peter Boyce, Michael
Glowacki, Kenneth Gullicksen and Andy Lowell
Members absent:
Marine Department:
Natural Resources: Jeff Carlson
Call to Order
Agenda Approved
Minutes of June 16, 2015 approved ( Glowacki abstained)
Brace reported, regarding proposed changes to town pier regulations that he had received
an email from Libby who stated that there had been a reconsideration of the BOS holding
a hearing and he should submit a request, with a copy of the relevant minutes along with
an attendance list, if available, and whether or not to hold a hearing would be discussed
by the BOS the following night. He reported that he submitted the requested materials.
Reminder that there will be two meetings in July, with the next being July 21.
Also a reminder that that Boyce will be leaving the island.
Marine Dept. report: none.
Natural Resources, report by Jeff Carlson: NR has started spawn, today 151 million eggs,
tomorrow will determine larva, hope for one - third. Are ahead of the natural spawn (little
to none in spat bags). Hatchery signed agreement with National Grid, power to be
updated, and upgraded, by NG at no charge, but waiting for state historic permit, then can
apply for building permit. Water quality testing in full swing, normal with no closures.
Eel grass, aerial complete, ground to be next week, report to follow. Beaches were
crowded (July 4), left with trash, but no impact to protected species.
Lowell asked about the possibility of using the pier at the hatchery, which used to be used
by the Coast Guard, for transient or disabled vessels and/or another launching ramp. A:
may be possible but there is not much depth and it would be difficult to make it
handicapped accessible. As to other possible ramp, in connection with storm
preparedness, town is looking at possible temporary places including Washington St.
Ext., Brant Point, Hulbert Ave. and Carthcart Road.
Public Comment question: best/worse case for spawn for year. A: maybe 2 -3 more times,
another 75 -100M spawn to release may be possible. Annual yield of harvest — 14 -15K
bushels, commercial only, each bushel being around 400 scallops.
algae growing. Expecting oysters tomorrow- about 35 thousand.. Last week went to
Island Creek Oyster Hatchery for visit. Two sets of spat lines in. 2 -3 weeks until
scallops spawn.
Gullicksen asked if they are monitoring for pH. A: yes, increasingly.
Old Business: Mooring regs, etc., further revisions desired? Brace will try to get word
out that it will be discussed at the next meeting. Gullicksen suggested a complete re-
write, following input from public. McCrae and Brace stated that the BOS may be more
receptive to amendments. Discussion followed regarding the benefit of new, clean regs
vs. amendments. Boyce stated that he would like to have something for the public to
review rather than expect them to make proposals.
New Business: Dredging- held for Lucey.
Codium in harbor- no hard numbers ( %cover). Lowell asked if possible to get permit to
remove if washed ashore. Gullicksen asked if removal would have long term effect.
Held for further information.
Public Comment: Some scallopers want to reduce November boxes from five to four.
Will be placed on agenda for next meeting.
New meeting: Brace will get info out re mooring and scallop box discussion, codium and
dredging.
The meeting adjourned.