HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-1-8 Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Jan. 8 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Chuck Connors,Bill Blount, Dr. Boyce, Peter Brace, Wendy
McCrae,Doug Smith
Members Absent: Michael Glowacki
Marine Dept: Sheila Lucey
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Police Chief Pittman, Matt Herr, Charlie Tash
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the January 8th HSAB meeting
(Wendy McCrae abstained)
Unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Open Meeting Law Update
Mr. Brace gave a brief talk pertaining to the open meeting law training class that was
given by the town on Dec. 6th 2012. The subject of public comment was the topic of this
talk. During the Dec. 6th Class it was brought to the attention of Mr. Brace that we do not
have to allow the public to speak during our HSAB meetings and that Public comment is
a privilege that we provide and we can take away if we feel it's in the Boards best interest.
Ms. McCrae noted the public comment section is on the agenda for a reason. Ms.
McCrae explained to the board that in the past allowing the public to speak before the
public comment section would sometimes take away from the"meat" of the agenda and
the format in which it's written.
Temperature gauge at the Steamship Authority:
The official temperature gauge being used by the town to determine the air temperature
has shifted from the old gauge at the town pier(which is broken)to the Steamship
Authorities gauge. It's available on the Steamships website. The gauge gets its info
directly from NOAA. Mr. Smith Said that www.accuweather.com is believed to have
access to the same temperature gauge.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Bushel count: Approximately 12,807 bushels have been harvested commercially so far
during the 2012 season. Between 30-40 Boats are still fishing.
Extra Boxes: Mr. Smith asked about the policy regarding extra boxes. Ms. Lucey asked
that if anyone with credits for extra boxes is going to be bringing one in,they must first
contact her to avoid any confusion at the dock with the wardens. The number to reach
her is 508-958-1762
Ice:No ice to speak of in the harbors. There is a bit of ice in Hither Creak and the ponds,
but the Harbors haven't had any.
Town Pier: The pier is still broken, they will be making repairs to get though this season.
200' is broken, 4 floats snapped in half. The electrical on the town pier is broken; the
dock is not open after dark. No transient docking is taking place on the town pier.
Slip Lottery: The slip lottery has begun; you can fill out your application.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Tara Riley gave the report. She thanked everyone who helped out during the seed
stranding event caused by the Nor-Easter. On January 22nd she is planning on doing a
presentation on the Aquaculture lease program. The Natural Resource Department is
submitting a grant for 2013 to GHYC for summer a propagation project. She has begun
growing Algae for use in the 2013 propagation effort.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Shellfish regulation change discussion—Bill Pittman & HSAB
No proposals have been written yet,but a discussion on the regulation changes is
currently being discussed with the Natural Resource department as well as the Marine
Department. The issues being looked at are broken down into sections of safety,
licensing, methodology, enforcement, penalties.
The apprentice program: Chief Pittman was saying we should revamp the program,
giving it guidelines. This would help to verify that the apprentice actually did learn
something. Possibly keeping a log of some sort would be involved.
Recreational Scallop permits: Looking at different options to help avoid people passing
their button around to one another.
Shanty's: As it's written now,the private shanty's can only be inspected by the health
department. The marine department would like to have a change made so that the
Wardens could inspect a private shanty to obtain bushel counts and look for violations.
Sub Committee: It was suggested that a sub committee be formed to work on addressing
new shellfishing regulation.
NEW BUSINESS
Harbor Algae video—Dr. Boyce: Dr. Boyce showed a picture of healthy eel grass taken
last July off of the field station. A video of black slime algae (lygnia) covering up
eelgrass was presented. During the Video a person(Forest) was shown fanning the black
algae away to show that it was covering up the eelgrass below it and not allowing the sun
to penetrate through, causing the eelgrass to become very unhealthy. Dr. Boyce called it
a wake up call to get the water quality in control, noting that we have to cut down on the
nutrients. Dr. Boyce said that if it continues we will lose the harbor. Stephan Heck used a
photometer to check the amount of sunlight coming though the black slime algae. The
result was less then 1% of the sunlight came though.
2012 Spat bag Results—Dr. Boyce: Dr. Boyce gave a report on his data taken over the
2012 summer. Dr. Boyce noted that Oliver Bender was a lot of help. Attached to the
minutes is a copy of his presentation.
Filling Bam LaFarge's Seat on HPIC: The HPIC said they are very close to completing
their goals and that it's not necessary to fill Mr. LaFarge's seat.
Town converting reserved spots in town lot to public parking—discussion:
The remaining 26 out of the original 60 spaces that were given to the marine department
for slip holders are being considered by the town to be moved from the front of the lot to
the back of the lot. The town was exploring using some of the marine department
parking lot spaces as parking for a privately run valet service. Several fishermen attended
the BOS meeting and it was said during this meeting that they (BOS) were not trying to
do this. Most of the fishermen left the meeting at this point. Later during the same
meeting one of the warrant articles was brought up and the issue was talked about. Ms.
Lucey contacted a woman from the State who said that on Dec. 9th she was driven around
the empty lot by a member of the BOS as well as a member of PLUS. She told Ms. Lucey
that a BOS member and the PLUS member informed her that the lot is as empty during
the summer as it is right now.
Public comment procedures for HSAB—discussion and policy vote:
Mr. Brace would like to put up some sort of public comment procedures for HSAB
meetings on the website.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Fertilizer regulations talk with Richard Ray.
NSA about our regulation sub committee.
Report on what happened at the BOS meeting
Tara will give talk on aquaculture
ADJOURN
Unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
Feb. 5th 2013, Feb. 19th 2013
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
January 22" 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Chuck Connors,Bill Blount,Dr. Boyce,Peter Brace, Wendy
McCrae,Doug Smith,Michael Glowacki
Members Absent:
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Matt Herr,Emma McCair,Barn Lafarge, Gordon Fraiser,Richard Ray,Dr.
Estabrooks,Ron Shepherd, Carl Sjolund, Ted Lembrech, Simon Edwards, Val Hall,
Charlie Tashjian, Ryan Mcpharson
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the January 8th HSAB meeting
Unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
3 Open HSAB Seats:
Mr. Brace wanted to mention that there are three people up for re-election.
Water quality testing:
Mr. Brace attended FINCOM today (January 22nd) to voice HSAB's support about hiring
a person to do water quality testing. The water quality sampling will be done for a 6
month period and the funding for water quality testing is coming out of the water ways
improvement fund.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Scallop Season Update:
Sheila Lucey did not make the meeting because she was at FINCOM so we do not have
bushel counts or a Marine Dept. Report.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Tara Riley talked about the grant submitted to GHYC submitted last week. It was to
grow out 50,000 quahogs and the grant was for$8,452.49
Water quality testing results for 2012: SMASS is working on formalizing the report
and the deadline is March 1st 2013. Ms. Riley will let us know when they will be giving
their presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT /NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Appointment of shellfish regulations subcommittee
Appointing people to the subcommittee was discussed. It was decided that Bill Blount,
Doug Smith,Peter Brace,Ron Shepherd, Carl Sjolund, Matt Herr,Dr. Estabrooks, Ted
Lembrech and some others who are not in attendance would be on this subcommittee.
The committee is planning on meeting 2 times per month.
Ms. McCrae wanted to note that she is not in favor of any regulation change that would
allow anyone other then the health dept. to be allowed into a private shanty. She stated
that she doesn't think the marine dept. should be allowed into private shanty's.
A motion to approve the subcommittee of up to 9 people was made by Mr. Glowacki,
Seconded by Dr. Boyce and unanimously approved.
Draft letter to Selectmen on permit parking removal
Mr. Brace wrote a letter to BOS regarding HSAB's feeling on the possible relocation of
the slip holders permitted parking spots in the town pier parking lot. Mr. Miller(BOS)
decided he will leave the permitted spots alone and possible take 20 other spots from the
town pier, currently used for public parking to be used for valet parking after 7:00 p.m.
Ms. McCrae didn't agree with giving away public spots for a valet service.
Proposed HSAB public comment procedures and language:
Mr. Brace passed around a draft regarding public comment during HSAB meetings. The
draft covered Roberts Rule,Public Participation, Specific Public comment and proper
public comment protocol.
Mr. Glowacki motioned to adopt the procedures, Dr. Boyce seconded the motion and it
was unanimously approved
NEW BUSINESS
Richard Ray on fertilizer regs Re: SHAB's help
Mr. Ray told the board that the new fertilizer regulations were taking effect on January 1st
2013. Mr. Ray stated that man power and financial constraints of the health dept. they
are finding it difficult to enforce these regulation for the ensuing summer, However
Administration is in the process of obtaining consultants to help administer this program.
Mr. Ray did not have a specific time in which this would be taking place but did tell the
board that the administration is dedicated to getting this done appropriately.
Aquaculture permit Application—Gordon Fraiser: Mr. Fraiser was number one on
the waiting list to get an aquaculture lease. One became available and Mr. Fraiser would
like to occupy it.
A motion was made to support the approval of the aquaculture lease application by Mr.
Gordon Fraiser. Mr. Glowacki Made a motion seconded by Dr. Boyce and was
unanimously approved by the board
Renewal of aquaculture permit—Simon Edwards:
Mr. Edwards requested that his aquaculture lease be extended for 10 years. The Natural
Resources Department stated that they feel Mr. Edwards has shown that he is dedicated
to aquaculture, he is up to date with his reporting and has helped the boat house by
building an algae growing system. The DNR would support this extention. A motion
was made to support a recommendation to the BOS by Mr. Glowacki Seconded by Mr.
Connors and unanimously approved.
Aquaculture program update power point presentation—Tara Riley
Ms. Riley gave a power point presentation about the aquaculture program. The
presentation showed the qualification of site approval,the procedures involved in getting
the permits required and the guidelines for having a lease. Ms. Riley showed a map of
the current leases and explained the type of gear being used. She described the Oystergro
floating cage system, explained how they are used and what is done during the winter.
The Oystergro companies recommendation of 100 cages per acre isn't applicable in the
deep water leases. Ms. Riley noted that the water depth is a problem when there are too
many cages close to each other in deep water.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Letter to BOS about town parking lot.
Subcommittee meeting times.
ADJOURN
Unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
Feb. 19th March 5th
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
February 5th 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace,Doug Smith, Chuck Connors,Bill Blount,
Wendy McCrae,Michael Glowacki
Members Absent: Dr. Boyce
Marine Dept: Sheila Lucey
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson
Others: Police Chief Pittman, Jo Perkins,Robert Capossela, Ashley Bulseco-Mckim,
Richard Corrado, Sophia Bass Werner, Ted Lembrech
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Tara Riley's Zanzibar presentation will not be presented today.
Unanimously approved as amended
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the January 22nd HSAB meeting
Unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Formation of Shellfish Bylaw Review Workgroup—update: the first meeting for the
workgroup is on going to be held on February 7th at the community room, 4 Fairgrounds
Rd. at 6:00pm. The group is still looking for a person to fill the spot for a recreational
scalloper. If anyone would like to inquire about the empty seat please contact Peter
Brace.
The current members of the workgroup are: Bill Blount,Doug Smith,Peter Brace, Carl
Sjolund,Ron Shepherd,Matt Herr, Ted Lembrech,Dr. Steve Estabrooks, Chief Pittman,
Sheila Lucey, Tara Riley &Jeff Carlson.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Scallop Season Update: To date approximately 15,001 bushels of bay scallops have
been harvested this season. Around 20 boats are still fishing consistently. So far this year
we have lost a number of days because of the temperature. Almost an entire week was
lost recently. Some seed has been showing up in the Shanty's so the Marine Department
says they will be checking them more often.
Harbor conditions due to ice- Sheila Lucey: Ms. Lucey shared a past experience she
had on a Coast Guard vessel involving an ice flow. She did this to let people know the
dangers that ice posses. She explained how the ice can come up on a boat quickly and
take it out of the water causing it to become adrift. The ice could also ride up on your
lines and push them down. Ms. Lucey said some people were seen culling seed off onto
the ice flow that we need to inform the fishermen that doing that will kill the seed.
Buoys in Madaket: Sheila Lucey mentioned that due to the ice moving them,that all the
buoys in Madaket are off station. They plan on putting them back in place this following
week.
Millie's Bridge: Bridge will be closed or a couple of weeks and any boats that would be
effected by this will be allowed to tie up at F Street.
Town Pier: Power is back on at the standing pier,but the floating pier is still without
power. People are paying for their moorings and sighing up for the slip lottery.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Jeff Carlson: The Natural Resource Department is gearing up for summer season. They
are expanding their algae growth operations. The NRD is currently advertising for
summer interns in a number of places including the local paper and in job ports that
advertise for college students.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business.
NEW BUSINESS
No New Business.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
A discussion about the status of the town pier parking lot was brought up. It was focused
on the recent issue concerning the possible relocation of the slip holders permitted spaces.
HSAB was told that those spots will not be taken away and that a different area is being
considered for use by the valet services.
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ADJOURN
Mr. Smith made a motion to Adjourn, it was seconded by Ms. McCrae and
Unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
March 5t,March 19th
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
February 19th 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Chuck Mi
,Connors, Peter Brace, Wendy McCrae, Doug Smith,
Glowacki Michael
Members Absent: Dr. Boyce, Bill Blount
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Chief Pittman, Jo Perkins, Robert Capossela, Ashley Bulseco-Mckim Richard
Corrado, Sophia Bass Werner, Steve Nye, Matt Herr, Ron Shepherd,Bobby DeCosta
CALL TO ORDER y
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the February 5th HSAB meeting
Unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Three People interested recreational scalloper seat in the SBRW(New Business)
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Pittman
Scallop Season Update:
Bushel count is 16,171
Enforcement Actions: To date there has been 11 written warnings, two of which ended
up with suspensions. There were also 7 verbal warnings given. Warnings were given for
crowning, seed possession and fishing on a Sunday.
Town Pier: On the 20th of February FEMA is coming to the Island again to look at the
town pier. The pier is currently closed due to damage. The town has received 2 bids for
emergency repairs for the floating pier, one was for$25,000 and the other was $13,000.
The Marine Department is planning on conducting the emergency repairs for the standing themselves, in hopes that that it can be used during the 2013 summer season. Rather
then the nails that are currently holding the dock together, they plan on using screws to
fasten the planks down in an attempt to fix or strengthen the broken areas of the ier.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT: p
Seed Stranding: The blizzard on the 10th of February caused a stranding of
approximately 30-40 bushels in Nantucket harbor around Fulling Mill Rd.
Madaket Harbor had several large strandings. Jacksons Point on both sides of the Point
the seed was covered up by ice and snow and was not visible until after it had been dead
and frozen. There was another large stranding on Cambridge Street that was again
covered in ice dead. The Natural Resources Department is going to try to work on a way
to help prevent these types of strandings in the future; possible moving seed in the spring
was an option.
Aquaculture lease holders Meeting: Ms. Riley informed the Board that the NRD held a
meeting with the current lease holders to go over the new program that they are
developing. On March 1St there will be an Aquaculture best management training class
being held at 4 Fairgrounds Rd. (time will be determined)
Jeff Carlson: Reminded the board of the regulation meeting coming up on Friday the
meeting will be about blue muscles.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Bylaw Review Workgroup: officers have not been elected yet because the group wasn't
complete. They were going to wait and appoint a person in the recreational Scalloper
seat first. The group decided that they will run the meetings on a species by species basis
and will begin with Blue Muscles.
NEW BUSINESS
Appointment of Recreational Scalloper to the Bylaw Review Workgroup:
Three people applied for the position, Jo Perkins, James Mondani and Stephen Welch.
The board voted to appoint Jo Perkins to the SBRW by a vote of 3-1 with Mr. Smith, Mr.
Brace, &Mr. Connors in favor of Jo Perkins, Ms. McCrae in favor of James Mondani
and Mr. Glowacki Abstained from the vote.
Tara Riley's Zanzibar Trip: Ms. Riley gave a slide show presentation of her recent trip
to Zanzibar Africa where she helped to teach the local population how to grow and
harvest Blood Arch(a form of shellfish). Ms. Riley along with her intern Leah brought
brute stock of algae to help get them started. The slide show demonstrated the process
the women in Zanzibar use to grow and harvest the blood arch. She noted some
problems they are having in Zanzibar; such as a very busy port with a ferry terminal close
the growout area. Ms. Riley said that she was there during the rainy season, making
things a lot harder due to bacteria such as vibrio.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
.ADJOURN
Ms. McCrae Made a motion to ajourn, it was seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously
approved.
Future Meetings:
March 5th , March 19th
Respectfully Submitted
Chuck Connors
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
March 5th,2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Chuck Connors, Peter Brace, Wendy McCrae, Dr. Peter Boyce,
Michael Glowacki.
Members Absent: Doug Smith, Bill Blount
Marine Dept: Sheila Lucey
Public Safety: Chief Pittman
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Robert Capossela,Richard Corrado, Sarah Jacobs, Sophia Bass Werner, Matt
Herr, Scott Leonard,Emma Macaire
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the February 19th HSAB meeting were amended by
spelling corrections on the shellfish Blood Ark and Mussels plus the addition of Leah's
last name(Cabral)was added.
Unanimously approved as amended
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Shellfish Bylaw Review Workgroup update: Mr. Brace spoke to the board regarding
the most recent SRBW meeting which was held on February 21St. During that meeting
they appointed officers and got themselves orientated to the format in which they will be
following and how they'll be covering each species. Blue Mussels and possibly soft
shelled clams will be addressed next meeting.
The following officers have been appointed to the SRBW; Chairman will be Bill Blount,
Doug Smith Vice Chairman and Peter Brace will be the Secretary.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Scallop Season Update:
Bushel count is 17,241, approximately 14 boats were seen scalloping today (March 5th).
They have stepped up enforcement efforts.
Shellfish Warden Change—enforcement transition—Bill Pittman: Chief Pittman
informed HSAB about some recent changes that took place on Monday (March 4th)
regarding the Marine Department and Natural Resources Department. There was a bit of
restructuring done to the Departments regarding the division of each Departments
responsibility's their employee's
The Natural Resources Department will be responsible for Shellfish propagation, beach
management(not including lifeguards), water quality, Aquaculture and fisheries
management, they will also be responsible for working with the conservation commission,
the article 67 fertilizer regulations and will now take on the role of shellfish enforcement.
The marine department will be responsible for search and rescue, aids to navigation, the
lifeguard program,town pier, mooring field and general water safety.
Appointment of Natural Resources Enforcement Officer—JC Johnson(former
assistant harbormaster) is the newly appointed Natural Resources Enforcement officer.
He is now employed by the NRD rather then the MD and his duties are to be that of a
shellfish warden.
A meeting was held with the union to discus this change which ended with them signing
off on the changes. The two qualified candidates for the job (JC Johnson and Dan Blount)
both needed to be offered the position. Dan Blount didn't want the job and JC Johnson
did, making it an easy negotiation for the union. Both Mr. Blount and Mr. Johnson will
be keeping their current pay rates. Ms. Lucey and Mr. Blount will still have the authority
of a shellfish constable although it will not be their primary responsibility.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Shellfish Management Plan -Tara Riley- On March 20th the Final Draft of the Shellfish
Management Plan(SMP) will be presented to the Board of Selectmen. It should be
available in this weeks Inquirer& Mirror newspaper and the final draft is viewable online
at the Natural Resources Town Webpage.
Possible seed-heavy closure areas- discussion: Ms. Lucey spoke to Tara Riley about
the possibility of closing areas heavy with seed to scallopers. Considering the forecasted
weather and the short amount of time left in season it was agreed they will not be closing
any areas. Ms. Lucey stated that they have tightened up enforcement to keep a watch for
seed leaving the harbor.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business
NEW BUSINESS
Seal Abatement Coalition's resolution for BOS—Discussion: HSAB was given a letter
written by SAC for us to review and hopefully give our support by writing a letter to the
BOS. SAC would like our support for"objective science-based research"into the extent
and environmental and economical implications of the gray seal population increase by
appropriate government agencies and independent scientific research organization as
appropriate and necessary. The letter from SAC explains the negative impacts that the
ever growing seal population on Nantucket including Great Point and Muskeget has on
fishermen, beachgoers, water quality and possibly on the shellfish habitat.
A motion was made by Ms. McCrae to continue this till our next meeting, seconded by Dr.
Boyce and unanimously approved
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
Scott Leonard from the Nantucket Marine Mammal Conservation Program asked that we
postpone making our recommendation until after May 20th. Mr. Leonard stated that on
May 20th there will be a big discussion on this issue and we should be hearing both sides
before supporting the letter by SAC. Mr. Leonard said that on May 20th there will be
experts and scientist here to speak on the issue of water quality and great white sharks.
He urged the board to wait until after that meeting to make our recommendation.
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Seal Abatement Coalition resolution
Possible Seed Moving
ADJOURN
Future Meetings:
March 19th,April 2nd
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
April 2, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.
Conference Room,4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Wendy McCrae, Dr. Peter Boyce, Michael
Glowacki, Doug Smith, Bill Blount
Members Absent: Chuck Connors
Marine Dept: Sheila Lucey
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson,Tara Riley
Others: Jo Perkins, Mary-Adair MacAire
CALL TO ORDER
4:04 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved after adding two new items under new business from Mike
Glowacki and Peter Boyce
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for the February 19th HSAB meeting were amended for spelling corrections.
Unanimously approved as amended
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Rescheduled NRD report:The SHAB will hear this on April 16.
Shellfish Management Plan:This was presented to the BOS an April 20 and will come up
for final BOS approval on April 19.
Rescheduled Seal Abatement Coalition discussion:The SHAB will deal with this on April
16.
Petrel Landing: Peter Brace had a discussion with Eric Savetsky who indicated that they
are planning landscaping now. There will be no slips, but will have dinghy dock.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Harbor: Working on repairing damage. They will repair the main dock in house. Toscana
will be hired to repair the floating dock. There was a lot of flood damage in the offices
which is being repaired now.They will be ready to issue moorings. They will open as
close to May 1 as possible.
Alternate tie-up spots for scallopers: No one inquired about alternate arrangements.
The three boats at the Town Dock made other arrangements. Wendy McCrae was
concerned that the Town made no offer of alternate solutions. Sheila Lucey said she had
no alternative tie-up options to offer, but that she would have made mooring
arrangements if she had been approached. She would have helped if she had been
asked. She reported that she does work with scallopers who come to her with problems.
Grants:The Town has proposed to the Nantucket Shellfish Association for replacement
navigation aids. They have lost 11 anchors and several poly balls which are used for
winter markers as they are much cheaper than the standard navigation buoys in the
summer. The scallopers on the Board expressed thanks for the winter markers.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Scallop Season Report:The final bushel Count is 18,102 bushels. Doug Smith
commented that the state allows reports in either bushels or pounds of meat. Scallopers
should be told to report their catch in bushels to maintain consistency with the Town.
General Report:The Town has advertised for iterns. The NRD programs have received
$45,000 in grants. The Town has mailed 158 copies of the Fertiliaer Best Management
Practices to landscaping companies on Nantucket. The final report on water quality
during last summer has arrived from SMAST. There will be a public presentation made
by therm during the latter half of April.
Possible Scallop Season Extension: No requests for an extension have been made by
the scallopers. Ms. McCrae noted that we had discussed this in the past when a lot of
days had been lost to weather. Mr. Smith said there are no scallops left to catch.
Scallopers have been getting their limit all the way to the end. Mr. Blount confirmed this,
and said the percent of dead scallops has risen dramatically. Tara Riley noted that she
will put this topic on the agenda earlier next year.
This raised a discussion on the accuracy of the Town's count. The numbers seem small
compared to last year when the total was 20,000bushels. Mr. Blount thinks a lot of
scallops did not get counted by the Town. Mr. Smith noted that at least 1,000 bushels
must have been lost due to strandings this season.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Shellfish Bylaw Review Workgroup update:The group is making progress. For Blue
Mussels the committee is proposing a size of 1.5 inches, and limiting the dredges to a
maximum of 4. Scallop regulations will be discussed this week.
NEW BUSINESS
Public Forum on Harbor Topics:Jeff Carlson said the Town wants more public outreach
on harbor and water related topics. They were hoping that SHAB cold sponsor a number
of talks at their meetings to draw more public interest. Peter Boyce commented this
would be a good idea, provided that we arranged for sufficient publicity.
Town Budget: Mr. Glowacki described an amendment he was thinking of proposing at
the Town Meeting which would provide more money to the Department of Natural
Resources for a full time person to do water quality and other related jobs. However, in
consulting with other people, he had decided that this could be counterproductive,so
he will not be proposing an amendment. Instead he wants to get to the BOS before they
make their budget directive to the Town Manager next year.The Board generally
agreed this was the best way to approach the issue of funding for water quality
monitoring.
Support for State DMF Recreational Angler Survey: Dr. Boyce noted that the time was
late, but that he would like the SHAB to show public support for the state's efforts to
quantify the recreational fishing catch. He will bring up this issue at a future meeting.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 5:00pm
Future Meetings:
April 16 and May 7, 2013
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
April 16th 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair),Dr. Peter Boyce, Chuck Connors, Wendy
McCrae,Doug Smith,Michael Glowacki
Members Absent: Bill Blount
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Dan Drake, Scott Leonard, Dan Pronk, Emma Macaire, Jo Perkins, Peter Howl,
Peter Crow, Sharon Young, Peter Morrison, Quint Waters,Michelle Perkins
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes for April 2nd HSAB meeting
Unanimously approved
Jetties rebuilding update—Dave Fronzuto:
Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Fronzuto Spoke about the approximate 10.2
million dollars that was awarded to the town of Nantucket out of the Hurricane Sandy
Relief fund to rebuild both the East and West Jetties. Mr. Fronzuto explained the history
of the jetties and the condition they are in today, and why it's essential to have them built
up. He noted that most of the east jetty is under water at high tide and posses a major
problem in both safety and as an aid to navigation. It is possible that the work could begin
as early as January 2014 but is more likely to begin some time between May and October
2014. Fronzuto said raising the jetties will increase the velocity of water flowing in and
out of the harbor. He also said that the cut will almost certainly remain on the east jetty.
At the end of the east jetty, a possibly a platform will be added for easier access to the
light.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Election of officers:
The Board Voted unanimously to keep the existing officers in their current seats. Peter
Brace (Chairman),Doug Smith(Vice Chairman) and Charles Connors (Secretary).
(Ms. McCrae abstained from voting)
2012 SMAST Water Quality Report
April 30th at 5:00pm SMAST will be giving their report on the water quality results from
2012. This report will also be available on the Towns website or you can email Tara
Riley for a copy.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
No Report Given.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
New Departmental Structure and responsibility presentation—Jeff Carlson:
Mr. Carlson spoke and showed the board a slide show about the Natural Resources
Departmental structure and how it has changed. Jeff Carson,Natural Resources
Coordinator, Tara Riley, Shellfish Biologist, J.C. Johnson,Natural Resources
Enforcement Officer(Formally know as the Shellfish Warden), plus a staff of seasonal
interns that work for the NRD and the shellfish Biologist(Tara Riley). The NRD is
responsible for Beach management, Conservation Commission, Shellfish Resources
management, Shellfish Propagation, Shellfish enforcement, and the Town's water quality
Program.
The goal of the NRD is to preserve, restore or protect Nantucket's natural resources
though responsible active management, research, regulation enforcement, education and
outreach to the citizens of Nantucket. Mr. Carlson said that he would like to see all NRD
employees be trained to and be able to fill in as Shellfish Wardens when needed. The
NRD would like to hire a full time Town Biologist water research specialist. Mr. Carlson
also added that they are working on building their volunteer base, and are in the process
of developing a departmental website along with social networking.
Aquaculture program update- Tara Riley:
One of the recommendations of the SMP that was just adopted last week was to find new
area's to be considered for aquaculture in and around Nantucket. Ms. Riley presented a
slide show addressing certain problems that the current growers are having. She spoke
about the sites in the"head of the harbor" and how the deep water is causing a problem
for growers to access their oysters in winter when their cages are sunk. To better allow
for the harvest and sale of shellfish in the winter Tara talked about possibly getting a
smaller, shallower area approved so that the growers could move a small amount of their
shellfish to those areas making them more accessible throughout the winter. A map
displaying a few areas that Ms. Riley would like to have surveyed by the DMF for
possible use with aquaculture was shown, and she asked HSAB to write a letter of
support to the BOS to have those areas surveyed when the DMF comes out to Nantucket.
Mr. Glowacki made a motion to support such a letter; seconded by Dr. Boyce and
unanimously approved (Doug Smith abstained on grounds that he will be working with
the NRD)
Shellfish Management Plan—Tara Riley:
The Plan was adopted last Wednesday (April 10th 2013)by the BOS and is in the process
of advertising for implementation committee members. They are using suggestions that
were stated in the SMP from representation organizations but not from specific people,
and they are opening it up for the public. Jeff Carlson said that the frame work is being
constructed for getting committee members.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Seal Abatement Coalition — request for recommendation
to BOS on SAC's research resolution:
The Seal Abatement Coalition was asking the board to write a letter of support to the
BOS for their"Research Resolution". We had a discussion with Peter Howl and Peter
Crow from SAC as well as and Scott Leonard(NMMCP) and others. Scott Leonard told
the Board that the Civic League will be meeting on May 20th, at either 4:30pm or 5:00pm
for a debate about the gray seal population. Some of the discussion was about problems
with water quality, fishing, and gear conflicts that are apparently caused by the gray seals.
It was noted by Doug Smith that while working a charter boat, fishing off of Great Point
the seals are known to grab onto your fish and pull the rods into the water, he also said
that the amount of fecal matter on Muskeget's beach was so thick that upon stepping on
the feces covered sand, a powdery cloud of dust is formed and then gets inhaled. Mr.
Pronk spoke about the reduction of lobsters around Muskeget and the loss of money he
has incurred due to gear conflicts with the seals. After discussion the board decided that
we do support much of what SAC's Research Resolution had to say,but did not support
every point written in it. Although we feel more research is needed into the gray seal
population,HSAB did not want to support any specific organization or interest group on
this matter. Mr. Glowacki made a suggestion that we write a direct letter to the BOS that
explains our stand on this issue. Part of the letter will be that the Harbor and Shellfish
Advisory Board supports and encourages, objective science based research into the
implications of the evolving gray seal population in and around Nantucket waters.
Mr. Glowacki made the motion that we write the letter; it was seconded by Mr. Smith and
unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Bay Scallop Branding Presentation—Emma Macaire
Emma Macaire gave her presentation on how she is working with the NSA on Nantucket
Bay Scallop Branding. A slide show presentation was shown to the board. She displayed
the new logo and examples of how the branding would work. She noted that this is being
done to support the Nantucket Bay Scallop fishery. Given the extraordinary competition
in fisheries today and Ramped fraud in seafood labeling,branding Nantucket Bay
Scallops is a great idea. Branding will help people to identify the origin of the authentic
product and allow us to better connect with markets and consumers who are willing to
pay for what is clearly a luxury product. Ms. Macaire said that we could anticipate over
time, a larger demand for our catch and more stable pricing over the season. The Three
key components are the Logo, Funded by the NSA and filed on September 12, 2012, the
packaging with logo, also funded by the NSA, which will be available to any Nantucket
resident for the 2013-2014 Bay Scallop season, and the website, funded by the NSA and
dedicated to all things Nantucket. Logo Packaging entails 4 different things, a 4"circular
packing label, a customized Tyvex seafood tags, spear tags (two sided tag for retail
purveyors) and a brochure for retailers so that they have something to talk about with
customer regarding Nanucket bay scallops. This packaging will be free from the NSA to
Nantucket wholesalers and resellers.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
Dan Drake said we should have a discussion about enforcement of the brand. He
mentioned how some places are claiming to offer Nantucket Bay Scallops when they are
not even in season, how one retailer claimed that the Nantucket bay scallop season had
been re-opened when in fact it had not.
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Update on SBRW
SMAST water quality report
Marine Department general report of harbor facilities
Summer meeting schedule
ADJOURN
Motion was made by Dr. Boyce; seconded by Mr. Connors and Unanimously Approved
Future Meetings:
May 7th 2013
May 21st 2013
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
May 7th, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room,4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Charles Connors, Wendy McCrae,Dr. Peter
Boyce
Members Absent: Doug Smith,Michael Glowacki,Bill Blount.
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carson, Tara Riley
Others:
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the April 16`h HSAB meeting
Unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
SBRW—Update:
The SBRW finished its work with Bay Scallops and is currently working on by-catch,
blue crabs and will soon be addressing Aquaculture.
Summer meeting schedule-
The group voted unanimously to uphold the same summer schedule used the previous
year; we will meet once in July and once in August, unless we feel a second meeting
should be held.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Town Pier—An engineering study is taking place until Thursday the 9th. The pier is still
closed but they are planning on opening it up on May 15th. At this point the plumbing
and electrical is approximately 90% completed. Slip assignments for the 2013 slip lottery
winners will be given out by the 15th of May.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Strategic plan update—The NRD strategic plan goes up for adoption in front of the
BOS on Wednesday May, 8th
Boat House—The summer preparations have begun,the hatchery is opening and get
ready for the summer, intern Leah Cabral has returned,the floating dock at the hatchery
has been repaired.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Draft letters to BOS in support of SAC's gray seal research,Tara Riley's
aquaculture harbor surveys & NRD Letter that supports the department structure.
The three letters were read over by the Board and a decision was made to approve and
submit all to the BOS.
NEW BUSINESS
SMAST water quality report—thoughts and discussion
Dr. Boyce suggested that the report include the protocol for how they are obtaining the
different measurements of nitrogen in the water(materials &methods).
Ms. Riley suggested writing a letter to SMAST for adding/amending the current contract
to include these requests. Dr. Boyce will draft a letter for the Board to review.
Seasonal town biologist—Future funding for possible year round position and
formation of study subcommittee
Forming a subcommittee to follow up on the possibility about getting a full-time water
quality Biologist hired for the NRD was discussed. The board thought it best to wait
until we had a full Board before forming the subcommittee but still discussed the matter.
Mr. Carlson explained how having a water quality Biologist would be crucial for the
town. For instance having this person employed by the town would make getting
information regarding water quality less confusing and much more streamlined. A water
quality Biologist could answer the public's questions about how water quality testing is
performed and would also be able to give a more simple explanation of what the
scientifically written reports are saying. An example would be the SMAST that had
recently been submitted. This will be continued to a future meeting.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Draft letter to SMAST—Dr. Boyce
NRD strategic plan to BOS-Update
ADJOURN
Future Meetings:
May 21St and June 4th
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
May 21st 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room,4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Charles Connors, Wendy McCrae, Dr. Peter
Boyce, Michael Glowacki
Members Absent: Doug Smith,Bill Blount
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others:
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion to approve made by Mrs. McCrae, Seconded by Mr. Connors and unanimously
approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mrs. McCrae, seconded by Dr. Boyce and
unanimously approved.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
SBRW update—The group had finished its work on by-catch and came up with what
they feel is an expectable percentage of 5% for all species. As long as the species being
taken is in season. An example given was if you take 5 bushels of bay scallops you are
allowed to take 5%by-catch of quahogs.
A proposal to drop the maximum weight of bay scallop dredges down from the current
weight of 401bs to a maximum weight of 351bs, plus eliminating the use of weighs of any
kind is being discussed.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
No Marine Department Report was given
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Coast Guard station dredging—The Brant Point Coast Guard station was having
trouble getting their 47' vessels to their pier due to the increased amount of sand that has
accumulated around their docks over time. They have been dredging around the docks
and dumping the sand at Brant Point Beach near the lighthouse. The CG got permission
for this dredging by petitioning their section who then petitioned the state DTP for the
final approval. The contract was given to a company called AGM. When asked about
shellfish concerns Tara Riley's answer was that the hatchery is treating the dredging as
they would any other event that may be perceived as harmful.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Mondays Seal Forum—discussion: HSAB discussed briefly what was talked about at
the recent Civic League seal forum. The migration of seals to Nantucket, as well as our
similarity in size to Sable Island was brought up. The decline in striped bass off of
Madaket was also discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Shellfish Management Plan Implementation Committee—HSAB member selection:
The Board voted unanimously to elect Dr. Boyce to the Shellfish Management Plan
Implementation Committee. The motion was made by Ms. McCrae, seconded by Mr.
Connors and unanimously approved.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ADJOURN
Motion was made by Mr. Glowacki, seconded by Ms. McCrae and unanimously
approved.
Future Meetings:
June 4t'. June 18th
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
June 4, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room,4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Wendy McCrae, Dr. Peter Boyce, Doug Smith,
Members Absent: Chuck Connors, Michael Glowacki, Bill Blount
Marine Dept: Chief Bill Pittman
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson,Tara Riley
CALL TO ORDER:The meeting was called to order at 5:03 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
No minutes to be approved.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
SBRW Update:The Committee is finished with updating the bycatch regulations. The
limit will be no more than 5%of the catch of the target species. The scallop regulations
are also finished. The main changes are that dredge weights will be reduced to 35
pounds total. No extra weight will be allowed. This is a measure to protect the eelgrass.
The next meeting will be June 6.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Harbormaster Sheila Lucey was not able to be present owing to the exigencies of having
to get navigation buoys placed by the deadline set by the Coast Guard. However she
sent a detailed written report and a list of her activities during this spring as she has
worked to repair the extensive damage from last winter's storms. The entire building at
the Town Dock was flooded out, the standing pier lost 200 dock boards, and the floating
dock snapped in 9 places. The department staff,which is now down to three people,
had to deal with all of this as well as complete all normal preparations for the
season. The building had to be stripped to the studs and sheetrocked and painted. That
and the repairs to the standing pier were completed in house by the Marine
Department staff. In closing, Ms. Lucey pointed out that the Town Pier and facilities
have not experienced this amount of damage in over 20 years. The Board applauded Ms.
Lucey for her ability to get these extensive repairs done by the opening of the season.
To get ready for the Figawi weekend the pumpout facilities had to be repaired, including
the sewer pipe under the full 872 foot length of the Town Pier, and the five floating
dinghy docks had to be launched and put in place. There were no significant incidents
with the Figawi race itself. However, during the weekend,there were two rescues from
life threatening situations which had to be made during early evening and night. Chief
Pittman recounted the circumstances of each one and reported that the rescue protocol
1
worked effectively, with the Police and Marine Departments working in close-
coordination.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Summer staff: Leah Cabral is in charge of the water quality sampling program. The
other interns are Shaun Lafferty, David Berry, and Douglas Smith.
Activity and plans:The May water quality sampling has been completed. The
Department is now also sampling the bathing beaches for fecal coliform which the
Health Department used to do. Doug Smith will be working on the seed stranding
protocols, as well as moving seed in the shallow areas where they would be at risk of
being washed ashore in a storm.
The Nantucket Shellfish Association has donated three new floating Upwellers (FLUPSY)
One of them has been assembled. The GHYC/Nantucket Land Council grant has been
used to purchase the parts for a new downweller system for raising seed at the smallest
sizes. Presently there are Nantucket spawned quahogs in that system. They have
reached a size of 400 microns (0.4 mm). As a backup,Tara has ordered an additional
40,000 quahog seed from a commercial hatchery. In addition she has 10,000 oysters in
the FLUPSY, in an experiment to monitor oyster growth under local conditions.
The first bay scallop spawn will be tomorrow (June 5). The larvae will be released in 5th
and 2nd Bends when they are ready to settle.
The proposal to expand the areas for aquaculture will be presented to the BOS
tomorrow for their approval.
OLD BUSINESS
Funding for a Year-round Town Biologist: Since three members of the Board were
absent, this topic was deferred to the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Douglas Smith and Peter Boyce both noted that the number of moorings in productive
scallop beds is growing. Both of them pointed out that the traditional moorings cause
extensive damage to the eelgrass, which does not get a chance to grow back. They
asked that this topic be discussed at an upcoming meeting.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
As no public was present, there was no Public Comment.
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ADJOURNMENT:The meeting adjourned at 6:20pm
Future Meetings:
July 2 and August 6, 2013
Respectfully submitted, Peter Boyce, Secretary pro tern.
2
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
June 18th 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Chuck Connors,Doug Smith, Wendy McCrae,
Michael Glowacki, Dr. Peter Boyce
Members Absent: Bill Blount
Marine Dept: Sheila Lucey
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others:
CALL TO ORDER
5:05 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 21st HSAB meeting minutes were unanimously approved(Mr. Glowacki Abstained)
June 4th HSAB Meeting minutes were unanimously approved(Mr. Connors Abstained)
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
SBRW workgroup update—The last two meetings didn't make quorum. Next meeting
will be about eels and blue crabs.
August 6th HSAB meeting—Mr. Brace informed the board that he will not be attending
the August 6th HSAB meeting.
SPWG—Michael Glowacki
The SPWG has been meeting monthly since October and Mr. Glowacki gave the Board
an idea of what's been happening with that.
He mentioned that the Civic League news letter is encapsulating what the SPWG is
working on currently. The sea level and the sewer beds were discussed, and talk of what
an outfall pipe 10 miles out will possible do was also brought up.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Sheila Lucey—The buoys marking the entrances to Polpis Harbor, Nantucket Harbor,
Madaket Harbor and Eel Point have been placed.
Tuckernuck—The channel marker buoys leading into Tuckernuck Island have been
removed due the presence of a shoal that has formed where the channel once was. Ms.
Lucey said; they cannot keep the buoys in the water because it could be a liability to the
town, if a boater were to use them to navigate into Tuckernuck Lagoon and find
themselves in trouble, either run aground or capsized. The MD is working with property
owners on Tuckernuck to find an alternative place for emergency services to go if need
be. In the case of a medical emergency, a helicopter is the only resource they can use as
of now.
Life Guards— Surf school stared for the LG's on the 17th and they will be training all
week with it. They will begin boat training next week. ATV's have been added to the
life guards equipment this year, so that they may patrol the beaches in between the ones
that have life guards on duty.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT Tara Riley—
Aquaculture- The Board of Selectman has allowed the DMF to come out and survey
aquaculture sites to be used for over-wintering of oysters.
Hatchery—Tara Riley said that the hatchery has been spawning bay scallops
approximately every 4 days,thus far the quality of the spat isn't great but Mrs. Riley
expects it to improve. Oysters are being acclimated to a salinity equal to that of
Sesachacha pond and will then be released into the pond.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Seasonal Town Biologist—Future Funding for possible year- round position and
formation of subcommittee—discussion. The Natural Resources Departments "5 year
statigic plan", which was adopted by the BOS calls for the hiring of a year round
Biologist who specializes in water quality. HSAB discussed how we could work with the
NRD in getting the position filled by making a resolution for hiring a full time water
quality Biologist. Also creating a resolution that would let the BOS know that we appose
the taking of money from the WWIF to fund this position was discussed and agreed to by
the board.
A motion was made to have a draft letter written explaining our resolution and asking the
BOS to include funding for the hiring of a full time water quality biologist, as the NRD
"strategic plan" asks for. The motion was made by Dr. Boyce, Seconded by Ms. McCrae
and unanimously approved
A motion was made to write a letter to the BOS explaining our resolution regarding
funding sources and asking them to find alternative funding(rather then the WWIF) for
the hiring of a full-time Water Quality Biologist. The Motion was made by Dr. Boyce,
Seconded Ms. McCrae and was unanimously approved by the board
NEW BUSINESS
Increasing number of moorings in eelgrass beds—discussion
Sheila Lucey told the board that is a moratorium on the amount of mooring allowed in
Nantucket Harbor and the number of moorings has not increased. She said that moorings
may be being moved from year to year but the actual number has not increased. A
concern that the amount of moorings placed in front of water front properties is being
abused was also brought up. Ms. Lucey said there is a maximum number of 2 moorings
allowed per water front property. What was talked about was that some of these homes
have more then two, some as many as 5 was discussed. Several areas in particular were
discussed, the"Rock Garden",Fulling Mill Road especially are said to have more
mooring then before. The concerns were that of the degradation of eelgrass that occurs
when moorings are added or placed in different places then they have been in previously.
The board decide to keep this on the agenda.
A motion to continue the mooring discussion was made by Ms. McCrae, Seconded by Mr.
Smith and unanimously approved
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Discussion of the 3 mile limit
Conch trap limit for Harbor
Draft Letters to the BOS-WWIF Money and Town water quality Biologist.
SPWG update
ADJOURN
Future Meetings:
July 2nd,August 6th
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
July 2,2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Chuck Connors,Doug Smith, Wendy McCrae,
Michael Glowacki,Dr. Peter Boyce
Members Absent: Bill Blount
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Jim Ellis
CALL TO ORDER
5:03
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
An item was added to new business was added— Summer 2013 —Outline Maria Mitchell
Scallop Research Program—Dr. Peter Boyce
Motion made by Mr. Connors, Seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved as
amended
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the minutes from the June 18`h HSAB meeting was made by Mr.
Glowacki, Seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
No Report Given
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
A larval release in 5th Bend was done, 15 million scallop larvae released.
Sesachacha pond oysters—Oysters have been released into the pond and are being
monitored.
Water quality results—
All of Polpis harbor failed for fecal chloroform bacteria, the area of Sesachacha pond by
the road failed for fecal chloroform and Coskata pond failed for fecal chloroform on its
beach side.
Bathing Beaches: With the exception of Warrens landing all the beaches passed the water
quality tests.
Derelict gear(Head of Harbor)—Jeff Carlson
Mr. Carlson told the board about some reports of derelict gear in the head of the harbor.
The NRD is in the process of determining who it belongs to. If an owner is not located
the gear will be removed.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Draft letter to BOS—The board discussed the draft letter written by Mr. Brace, some
suggestions and changes are going to be made.
Moorings in shellfish bed—This item will remain on the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
Town—Siasconset Beach Preservation Fund MOU—The board discussed the possible
building of a series of rock walls to help prevent erosion of the Sconset bluff at Baxter Rd.
and to possibly save the properties that are being impacted by it. This project(if
approved)would be funded by the SBPF. On July 24th the BOS supported this.
The fact that this was never brought up to HSAB before it went in front of the BOS was
discussed and whether or not it's a concern for us was talked about. The Board discussed
the possible impact this could have on the beach areas where the water from the walls are
being directed towards.
This Item is going to be kept on the Agenda.
Development of protocol for sovereignty over our waters for Nantucket's conch
fishery—Matt Herr
Mr. Herr would like to see the Town of Nantucket protect it's conch inside the Harbors
from being harvested commercial by fisherman who do not hold year round residency on
Nantucket. Mr. Herr talked about the harbor's conch fishery and how it has been
managed for more then a decade. He explained how it's only fished every other year and
how this allows for it to remain sustainable by keeping the fishing pressure off the conch.
Mr. Herr talked about the increasing number of fishing boats not from Nantucket who
fish right off our shores and that it's only a matter of time before they take the next step
and set gear inside our harbor. Mr. Ellis talked about how the town has a by-law in place
regarding shellfish and it includes conch. He explained that there is a residency clause
for commercial fishing of shellfish in Nantucket waters. What Mr. Herr would like to
know is what would happen if a person (not a Nantucket resident) set conch pots in the
harbor, and how the enforcement of the by-law would be handled. The board is going to
have a special meeting where we invite the enforcement officers to come and hopefully
find a solution to this.
A vote to have a special Joint meeting on July 11th between the HSAB and the SBWG at
4:00pm in the community room at 4 Fairgrounds Rd. was approved.
Dr. Boyce Made the Motion, Ms. McCrae Seconded it and it was approved by a 5-0 vote
(Mr. Glowacki abstained from voting)
Summer 2013—Outline Maria Mitchell Scallop Research Program -
Dr. Boyce gave a presentation explaining Maria Mitchell's 2013 Scallop Research
Program. The program consists of 6 different programs or surveys and Dr. Boyce gave a
detailed description of them all.
1. Spat Bag monitoring
2. Benthic survey
3. Student monitoring program
4. Lyngbya survey
5. Gonad and condition indices
6. Water Temperature
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Letter to the BOS regarding water quality biologist
SBRW update
Mooring in shellfish beds
Joint SBWG/HSAB
ADJOURN
6:55pm
Ms. McCrae made the motion, seconded by Mr. Connors and unanimously approved.
Future Meetings:
July 11th August 6th September 3rd
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
September 3'I at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room,4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Chuck Connors,Doug Smith, Michael
Glowacki,Dr. Peter Boyce
Members Absent: Wendy McCrae,Bill Blount
Marine Dept: Sheila Lucey
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley,Leah Cabral
Others: Matt Herr
CALL TO ORDER
5:00
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from July 2nd
Spelling corrections: fecal coliform, Student mentoring.
Unanimously approved as amended
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Update on SBRW: Last 2 meetings didn't make quorum. The last meeting was in July it
was a Joint meeting with HSAB and SBRW. The meeting was pertaining to a town bylaw
that states residency requirements for commercial fishermen, also the enforcement of the
bylaw(s) were discussed. Chief Pittman,Environmental Police officer Keith Robinson,
the Marine department and Natural Resources department including shellfish warden J.C.
Johnson were all in attendance. It was decided at this meeting to write a letter that would
go to town council explaining our concerns about this issue.
A letter was returned to Jeff Carlson by attorneys Kopelman and Paige, P.C. explaining
their interpretation of the town code Chapter 122. Kopelman and Paige made mention of
Barlow vs. Town of Wareham, 401 Mass. 408 (1988)which gives town the right to
restrict commercial shell fishing activities to residents of the town and further gives the
town the right to restrict any non-resident from commercially shell fishing anywhere
within 3 miles of it's shore. Kopelman and Paige also stated that section 122-16
authorizes the shellfish warden and his deputies to enforce violations of chapter 122 and
that the town may designate different or additional town officers to enforce chapter 122 if
deemed necessary to do so.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
Life Guards 2013 summer season: Life Guards guarded 8 beaches, The ATVs proved
to be very successful, as did the newly initiated on call program. The life guards were
called 12 times for after hours rescues. It was a bad year for rip currents which kept them
busy.
Approximately 113,560 people were guarded this summer, that's about 30,000 more then
last year, 46 rescues were performed, 191 assists, 4 first aids that required EMS transport
and 2 missing persons were found and rescued.
Madaket Road Hazards: At the end of Madaket road there were some old hazards such
as foundations, septic tanks, pipes, 4x4's, Stakes ect. They were marked by the MD with
flags and pulled out what they could with their truck. Ken Coffin filled two large trucks
with cement, rebar and other debris.
Life Guard stand was moved down the beach to prevent people from swimming where
the hazards were. The move was temporary because the stand was not placed on town
property.
Marine Departments on the water activities 2013: 51 search and rescue cases, 769
Pump outs,participated in 11 marine events, issued 30 Moorings, issued 52 mooring
violations, 22 dead moorings removed from Monomy area.
Dan Blount will be moving from the MD to the NRD for 6 months as an assistant warden.
Dredging Polpis harbor is scheduled for this fall, Sheila Lucey will get back to us with
dates.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Hatchery progress: The hatchery produced a good number of scallop larvae, it was
comparable to what was produced in 2011. The numbers are approximately 84,000,000
scallop larvae released; 16 million in 5th bend, 26 million in 2nd and 39 million in 4th
bend.
The hatchery also produced some 400,000 quahogs this season. 40,000 quahogs were
also purchased at ARC at 2mm and are approximately 12mm now and will be planted in
the mooring field soon.
The NSA grant that was issued to the NRD which bought 3 new upwellers and pumps has
been going well,they are in the process of gathering growth data for quahogs and oyster
seed. By the end of October they should have the data.
Sesachacha pond oysters: There are currently 10,000 oysters in the pond, half being
diploid and the other half triploid. They will be kept in the pond over winter to see what
growth data they can get.
Beach Monitors Doug Smith: Mr. Smith is looking for dedicated volunteers for beach
monitors to walk beaches after storms for seed strandings. He would like to have an
organized stranding team in place for when a stranding occurs.
Renovating the Boathouse: Jeff Carlson talked to the board about a proposal he is
getting together in hopes of having some funds granted to the NRD for the Boathouse to
be renovated in a manner that would allow it to be used year round.
A motion to authorize the Chair to write a letter of support for Mr. Carlson's proposal to
get a grant and secure funding was made by Mr. Glowacki, seconded by Dr. Boyce and
unanimously approved(Mr. Smith abstained from the vote noting his employment at the
boathouse)
Alternative funding sources for NRD Personnel: Discussion was had about how the
NRD gets its funding for personnel and HSAB would like to share its ideas on possible
funding sources
with the BOS. Possibly writing a letter to the Chair of the BOS stating that we would
like to have a chance to speak to the them before they give any suggestions to the town
manager on develop any revenues was discussed.
Septic Design Michael Glowacki: SPWG meeting update was given, Mr. Glowacki
made mention of how Wellfleet uses oysters as a means to help clean water. Dr. Boyce
explained how this process works and although oysters are helpful at cleaning water, the
harbor is just too large for it work here.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Town-Siasconset beach preservation fund MOU and rock revetment project—
Discussion: The Board discussed the project and what it feels are its positives and
negatives. We will keep this on the agenda and continue discussing it.
NEW BUSINESS
Sending Scallops to the Coastal Watershed Institute to look at gonad condition—
Jeff Carlson: Mr. Carlson asked the board for support to send 25 bay scallops to the
Coastal Watershed Institute in Florida for a look at the possible impact that the harmful
algae bloom (cochlodinium) has on their gonads. A Motion to approve the shipment of 25
bay scallops for the use of scientific research was made by Mr. Connors, seconded by Mr.
Glowacki and unanimously approved (Mr. Smith abstained due to his employment by the
NRD)
Town Policy on funding shellfish-related research projects: A letter from Libby
Gibson was sent to Mr. Brace explaining that HSAB cannot issue funding for shellfish-
related research projects. This was in regards to a decision made 2 years back when the
board issued funds to Dr. Estabrooks for a research project. Mr. Brace explained the letter
and what it means to us at HSAB.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Travel lift at GHYC
Letter to BOS Chair
ADJOURN
Mr. Smith Made the Motion, Mr. Connors seconded it, it was unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
October 1s`2013,
October 15th 2013
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 17th 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Chuck Connors,Doug Smith, Wendy McCrae,
Michael Glowacki, Dr. Peter Boyce
Members Absent: Bill Blount
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Matt Herr,Lindsay Pykosz, Carl Sjolund, Bruce Cowan, Valerie Flail, Sophie
Proch, Abi Hines.
CALL TO ORDER
5:03
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion to approve September 17th 2013 HSAB agenda was made by Mr. Connors,
seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve September 3rd 2013 HSAB minutes was made by Mr. Glowacki,
Seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Dr. Peter Boyce's NHS student presentation-Sophie Proch: Bottom-mounted spat
bags and Abi Hines: predators of seed scallops; black-fingered mud crabs:
Individual presentations were given by both Sophie Proch and Abi Hines, they were
shown to the HSAB board via power point and narrated by the students. Abi Hines gave
her presentation on predators of seed scallops; the black-fingered mud Crab (neopanope
sayi). Abi Hines's hypothesis was correct and that the size limit of seed scallops eaten
does depend on the size of the crabs carapace,the crabs generally will stick to eating
scallops half their size but if hungry they will eat larger scallops nearing their own size.
Sophie Proch gave a presentation about the effectively of placing spat bags on the
bottom rather then on the surface. There was a noticeable increase of scallop larvae found
in the bottom spat bags vs. the surface bags.
Update on SBRW-Jeff Carlson: The SBRW has completed all it's species and is
currently talking about violation enforcement.
GHYC new travel lift: The GHYC and it's broken travel lift was discussed at the
September 3rd 2013 HSAB meeting, this item was kept on the agenda and an update was
given by Peter Brace. The GHYC now has a working travel lift, whether it's new or just
freshly painted wasn't clear,but having a working travel lift was our concern and it
appears to been resolved.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
No Marine Department Report Given.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Jeff Carlson: An application was submitted to the CPC to have the Boat house
rehabilitated and restored. The grant application was for 1.19 million to rehab the
building. It qualifies for historic restoration and as an open space application as well. We
will be kept updated as it progresses. Mr. Carlson thanked us for our letter of support.
Aquaculture: Over-wintering of aquaculture gear. The DMF is going to be surveying
areas for possible overwintering sites to be used by the current growers.
Maritime Festival: Tara Riley—There will be two tours of the boat house during the
festival,the interns will be there to help out with tours and give people information about
the everyday activities of the boat house.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Making the case for full-time town biologist findings outside of WWIF—Discussion
mooring issues:
A letter was drafted by Peter Brace to be given to the BOS urging them to hire a full time
water quality biologist. HSAB would like this position to not receive it's funding out of
the waterways improvement fund. The letter requested that HSAB have an audience with
the Board of Selectmen at there next scheduled meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Preparation for the upcoming scallop season:
You can pick up your commercial scalloping license from Catherine at the public safety
building. You will have you picture taken and it'll be put on the license.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Boat at Fullling Mill Road.
Oversized boat on mooring in Madaket
Get the Letter to the BOS
.ADJOURN
Mr. Glowacki made the motion, seconded by Ms. McCrae and unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
October 1St 2013, October 15"'2013
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
October 1st 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Conference Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Chuck Connors,Doug Smith, Wendy McCrae,
Michael Glowacki,
Members Absent: Dr. Peter Boyce,Bill Blount
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson, Tara Riley
Others: Matt Herr, Matt Anderson
CALL TO ORDER
5:02
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve minutes from the September 17`h HSAB was made by Mr. Smith,
seconded by Mr. Connors and unanimously approved.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Sailboat anchored off of Fulling Mill Rd: HSAB discussed the concern that some
people were having regarding a sailboat of approximately 30 feet which is currently
anchored in the shellfish beds off of Fulling Mill Rd. Harbormaster Sheila Lucey was
notified and HSAB is waiting to hear from her at our next meeting in regards to this issue.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
No MD report.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Tara, JC,Jeff Carlson met with Mike Hickey, Jerome Moles, Tom Shields and Neil
Churchill from the DMF about the aquaculture program and possible expansion of the
acreage and better over-wintering sites for the growers.
Ground surveying will be done within the next two weeks to determine if any of the
suggested sites are approved for aquaculture.
4 out of 5 kiosks in Madaket are installed.
Boathouse is pretty much shutdown for the season,their shellfish are under the dock for
over-wintering.
Data from the summer should be ready by next meeting.
The Scallopers ball was sold out.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Next steps for town biologist effort—Review town Managers response: HSAB
discussed the letter presented to us by the town Manager in response to our stand on
hiring a full time water quality biologist for Nantucket. The issue was also discussed
with the NRD.
SBWG Update- The workgroup is still going strong, working on violations and
enforcement. The SBWG is currently working on Bay Scallops.
NEW BUSINESS
Stranding preparedness—Doug Smith: Mr. Smith discussed the plan that's being
worked on by himself and the NRD for potential scallop strandings. Mr. Smith explained
how a website or Facebook page will be created and how else the NRD will be contacting
people as soon as new of a stranding is reported so that they can get the scallops back into
the water before they die.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Mooring regulations
Letter to BOS
ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn made by Ms. McCrae, Seconded by Mr. Smith and Unanimously
approved.
Future Meetings:
October 15th 2013
November 5th 2013
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
Tuesday,Nov. 19, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace, Michael Glowacki, Doug Smith, Bill Blount, Dr. Boyce
Members Absent: Wendy McCrae, Chuck Connors
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson
Others: Tim Mooney,Zachary McMullen
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Unanimously approved
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Mr. Brace reminded the board of the venue change for the Dec. 17 meeting, which is
going to meet in training room at 2 Fairgrounds Road.
Mr. Brace asked Mr. Carlson to make sure that he sends materials pertaining to
apprentice and late license requests prior to the meeting at which these issues are to be
considered to the chairman so he or she can distribute the materials to board members so
they can have time to digest the requests and form their thoughts. Mr. Carlson said that
shellfish warden Dan Blount had informed Frank Day, who came to the Nov. 5 HSAB
meeting seeking permission for his daughter to get a late license, that he had to first file
such a request so it could be put on the agenda and that his daughter had to be at the
meeting to represent herself However,Mr. Day did not heed Mr. Blount's advice and
showed up at the Nov. 5 meeting without having filed his paperwork and without his
daughter. Mr. Carlson said Ms. Day did file her paperwork a week later.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Mr. Carlson combined this report with his own under Natural Resources Report.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Status of Shellfish Management Plan implementation group—Jeff Carlson
Update on commercial scallop season—enforcement: JC Johnson or Jeff Carlson
and Tara Riley
Mr. Carlson reported that the scallop season was going really well and that as of Nov. 15,
the bushel count is around 3,000 bushel as compared with last year at this time with
1,080.5 bushels harvested, reminding the board that in 2012,there a fair amount of days
lost to bad weather including the storm that stranded seed up and down the inner harbor
shores in the second week of November. He added that improved tracking and data
collection methods this season is making count numbers more accurate. The weather has
also been great.
Mr. Carlson introduced Tim Mooney, a commercial scallop diver since 2001 who's been
mentoring two apprentice scallopers, one of which, Zachary McMullen, has completed
his 40-day apprenticeship and who is seeking recognition from the board of completion
of his 40 days so he can start scalloping on his own. Mr. Brace noted that this should be
discussed under New Business.
Mr. Carlson reported that he did receive five or six applications for membership on
Shellfish Management Plan committee in addition to those that the HSAB appointed to
this new committee. Mr. Carlson announced the birth of Ms. Riley's and Mr. Hen's son,
Campbell, and that Ms. Riley, although on maternity leave, is out and about and available
on a limited basis for anyone who has questions for her. Mr. Carlson said that and he and
Mr. Johnson would sometime be taking turns throughout the winter attending HSAB
meeting. He also reported that the boathouse lab is almost closed down for the winter. He
then updated the board on the progress of the Shellfish Bylaw Review Workgroup in
producing a revised set of regulations for the Harbor& Shellfish Advisory Board to
review in January followed by the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Brace asked how many fishermen were scalloping at this point and Mr. Carlson said
anywhere between 35 and 50 boats a day depending on weather conditions. He added that
the a fair amount of the fleet has moved out to Madaket and just to the north of
Tuckernuck,but that the amounts of fishermen in town and out in the "Wild West" ebbs
and flows depending on weather.
Mr. Brace asked where scallopers were exploring other than the usual spots.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT
No public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Update-Morgan Day's apprenticeship—Jeff Carlson
See Chairman's Report.
Scallop shell reclamation—continuing discussion
Mr. Smith asked that Mr. Brace stop including the scallop shell reclamation item on
future agendas because he hasn't been getting anywhere with this idea.
Full-time town biologist position—continuing discussion
Mr. Carlson said that the town departments have submitted their budges to town
administration, which is drafting its budget and that anything new would then be
submitted to the Finance Committee for its budget review process and if the town
biologist position comes up in discussion at a FinCom meeting, that's when members of
the HSAB should attend the FinCom meetings to speak in support of this. He added that
he didn't know exactly when this would happen.
Mr. Brace said from his conversation with Selectmen Chairman Rick Atherton he is now
aware that the selectmen have heard the HSAB's numerous requests and understand that
this board does want a year-round town biologist primarily for water quality sampling
and analysis. Mr. Brace asked Mr. Carlson to remind the HSAB when its time to speak
before the FinCom was approaching so Mr. Brace could, with the board's blessing, write
a letter to the editor of the Inquirer&Mirror detailing for the public its reasoning for
filling this currently vacant position. Mr. Carlson said he'd keep the board abreast of
when it should attend relevant meetings on this issue.
Dr. Boyce asked Mr. Carlson who is currently staffing the Natural Resources Department.
Mr. Carlson said himself, JC Johnson, Dan Blount part-time,Ms. Riley, Leah Cabral(for
the winter). So, currently, the NRD has three fulltime employees.
NEW BUSINESS
Staffing shortage at Marine & Coastal Resources Department
Apprentice scallop divers—update—Tim Mooney
Wendy McCrae requested this agenda item because of Ms. Lucey's comments at the Nov.
5 meeting relating to the understaffed Marine Department, specifically, the need for more
qualified rescue boat operators. Mr. Carlson said Ms. Lucey does have the use of Dan
Blount part-time and use of two seasonal employees through the end of September.
Additionally, several police officers are getting trained in boat use and rescue. Dr. Boyce
noted that recently his boat engine died 100 yards off of 40th Pole and because Ms. Lucey
was off island, there was no one at the Marine Department to come tow him back to the
harbor. Mr. Brace suggested that Dr. Boyce and other disabled boaters try to Coast Guard
to see if they could rescue him before trying to the other agencies.
As Ms. McCrae did not attend the Nov. 19 meeting, Mr. Brace suggested that this item be
added to the Dec. 3 agenda.
Scallop diver Tim Mooney's apprentices
Mr. Carlson said that Mr. Mooney has had two apprentices in the last calendar year
during last season and the current one, and that these two apprentices have completed
their 40-day apprenticeship. Mr. Mooney asked if the 40-day period applied to divers as
well. Mr. Smith said it does and the number should apply to both. He added that the
Shellfish Bylaw Review Workgroup should add this issue to its next meeting agenda.
Mr. Brace said he didn't recall hearing about either of these apprenticeships starting from
Mr. Carlson who said that typically, he doesn't inform the board when the
apprenticeships begin. Mr. Smith asked how many apprenticeships were currently active
during this season. Mr. Carlson said 18, but that not all of them are actively fishing. Mr.
Carlson detailed for the board why the apprenticeship program exists and how it works.
Mr. McMullen said he thought that for 30 of the 40 days of his apprenticeship he couldn't
take five bushels and that the during the last 10 days he could. Mr. Smith admitted to
being confused as well and Mr. Carlson said this is why the shellfish regulations are
being reviewed and revised.
Dr. Boyce said he hadn't heard of the 30-day period Mr. McMullen spoke of and said he
recalled that the apprenticeship regulations he helped write allows the apprentice to
harvest five bushels a day during the 40 fishing days with his mentor.
Mr. Brace asked Mr. Mooney to tell the board generally, what a diver needs to know to
scallop alone underwater. Mr. Mooney told the board that a scallop diver must take and
pass a diver certification course including five open-water dives,become fluent on the
impacts on a diver's body including cold water slowing down their metabolism, nitrogen
building up in their blood stream, and how to remove the excess, monitoring their gauges,
dealing with having two or three bushels of scallops hanging in bags off their shoulders
while maintaining their buoyancy under water and what to do when their air supply runs
out.
Mr. Mooney continued, saying safety equipment is also covered including setting out the
diver down flag, checking the boat's anchor once the diver has reached the bottom and
then finding the scallops and determining adults from seed, as underwater everything is
magnified by three. Additionally, said Mooney, apprentices have to learn how to operate
underwater in a dry suit in which a bubble of air can develop and upend a diver if it
reaches their feet along with using a full-face mask. When Mr. McMullen gets his dry
suit and full-face mask, Mr. Mooney requires that he spend time him learning how to use
these new pieces of diving equipment.
Mr. Brace asked if commercial scallop divers only fish after the dredging scallopers are
for the day. Mr. Mooney said he instructs his apprentices on how to dive for scallops
while the dredgers are operating. He added that he teaches his charges to scallop
upstream of the dredgers so they can see the scallops, as being downstream of the
dredging means the scallops are hidden in a cloud of debris. He also teaches his students
to hug the bottom when they're six feet or deeper if a boat is coming and come to the
surface if they're six feet or deeper. Mr. Brace asked how many divers going now. Mr.
Mooney said three.
Mr. Brace asked Mr. Mooney about Mr. McMullen's competence as a commercial
scallop diver. Mr. Mooney said he thought Mr. McMullen needs a couple more dives,to
spend more time practicing getting in and out his boat and on doing anchor checks.
Overall, Mr. Mooney said Mr. McMullen is an excellent diver, but he wants him to
become more natural in the water before signing off on him. Mr. Brace asked Mr.
McMullen if thought his mentor's assessment of his abilities was accurate. Mr.
McMullen said yes.
Dr. Boyce noted there was a difference between the board agreeing that Mr. McMullen
had met all of his apprentice requirements and Mooney signing off on his diving abilities.
Mr. Carlson said this is one of the issues that the SBRW needs to deal with. Mr. Brace
asked Mr. Mooney to attend the SBRW's next meeting. Mr. Mooney said he wanted the
board to feel comfortable with approving Mr. McMullen as a commercial scallop diver.
Mr. Carlson said the board is within its rights to authorize Mr. McMullen's commercial
scallop license because he's completed his 40 days with the condition that he get the
extra equipment and dive training from Mr. Mooney. Dr. Boyce said he's comfortable
with voting in the affirmative to this effect—this is his motion—but is still unsure how
the board would have proof that Mr. McMullen has the necessary diving skills. Mr. Smith
seconded Dr. Boyce's motion with the caveat of if anyone on the board feels Mr.
McMullen needs to do eight more fishing days with his new full-face diving mask. The
board voted 5-0 to grant Mr. McMullen his commercial scallop license with the
understanding that he complete the rest of his skills training with Mr. Mooney.
Dr. Boyce alerted the board to the work of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute students
on putting all of the town's water quality data into town's GIS system and suggested that
this group come speak on their efforts at the next HSAB meeting.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
ADJOURN
Unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
Dec. 3 and Dec. 17
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter B. Brace, Chairman
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
December 3'd,2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace(Chair), Chuck Connors, Wendy McCrae, Bill Blount,
Dr. Peter Boyce,Michael Glowacki, Doug Smith
Members Absent:
Marine Dept: Police Chief Bill Pittman
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson
Others: W.T.I. Students
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Amendment to Agenda: Worcester Polytechnic Institute student presentation will be
moved up to after the Natural Resources report.
Motion to approve agenda as amended was made by Mr. Connors, seconded by Ms.
McCrea and unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the November.5th HSAB meeting minutes made by Ms. McCrea
seconded by Mr. Smith unanimously approved (Dr. Boyce and Michael Glowacki
abstained)
Approval of the November 19th HSAB meeting minutes: Dr. Boyce informed the
Board that there was an error regarding a specific scuba diving regulation, and that it be
corrected before approval A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made by
Michael Glowacki, Seconded by Dr. Boyce and unanimously approved(Ms. McCrea
and Mr. Connors abstained)
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Venue Change for December 17th HSAB meeting: The meeting will be held at the 5pm
in the training room at 2 Fairgrounds road.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
No MD report.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Scallop seasons update—Jeff Carlson: There has been one missed day due to
temperature, approximately 5,000 bushels have been taken to date, averaging about 250
bushels per day. The scallop fleet is divided up pretty evenly; Madaket and town have
around the same amount of boats fishing between them.
Nov. 24/25 seed standing—update—Jeff Carlson, Doug Smith—
A small stranding event of approximately 100 bushels was observed and dealt with by the
NRD. The stranding was considered to be a Category 1 stranding based on the seed
management plan and occurred around the Wauwinut area. The scallops were mostly
dead due to the cold air temperature but as an experiment Mr. Smith did manage to get
some into a cage and back in the water to see if they would make any kind of recovery.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
Staffing shortage at the Marine Dept: Chief Pittman—Chief Pittman told the board the
MD has no staffing shortage and they are running on the staff that they feel is appropriate.
Chief Pittman also explained the new role the Police Department and Fire Department
will be playing in regards to the Marine Department. The NPD has started a program
where officers will become qualified in helping out with search and rescue for the MD.
The first group of police officers have begun training and once completed will be
required to complete 40 hours of exercises and drills. The goal is to always have a 3
person rescue team, one to control the boat and two to focus on the rescue. Officer
Coakley is going to be the NPD's face for the Marine Department program. The officers
will be given Coast Guard certification upon completion. This program will be launched
district wide with Nantucket being the first.
SMP Committee Status—Jeff Carlson: The SMPIC is moving forward, hoping for 7
people on this committee and the first attempt at getting people signed up only resulted in
4 applicants. It's possible that the SMPIC will only be a 5 person committee to get the
ball rolling.
Full-Time Town Biologist position—Continuing this discussion next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
W.P.I. Students presentation on Nitrogen in the harbor—The students gave a short
presentation about a report that they will be giving on December 18t. The students
focused purely on Nitrates; taking the data from the past 20 years from the different
testing location around the harbor and they will be putting the data into excel
spreadsheets and making graphs to look for seasonal and long term trends. The format
being used make adding new data very easy whether its nitrates, phosphorus or any other
nutrient. The template being created by the W.P.I. students will also be used by our own
water quality biologist and future data can be added to create current graphs so that the
public and read and understand the data.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Full-Time Biologist Meeting
Seed Area Mapping and Stranding Protocol
ADJOURN
Motion Made by Mr. Glowacki, seconded by Ms. McCrea and unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
January 7th
January 21st
Respectfully Submitted
Chuck Connors, Secretary
Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board
December 17, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Training Room, 2 Fairgrounds Road
Members present: Peter Brace (Chair), Chuck Connors, Wendy McCrae, Bill Blount,
Michael Glowacki, Doug Smith
Members Absent: Dr. Peter Boyce
Marine Dept:
Natural Resources Dept. Jeff Carlson
Others:
CALL TO ORDER
5:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Smith asked that his seed area mapping and stranding protocol be taken off the
agenda and put back at a later date.
The motion to approve the December 17, 2013 agenda as amended for the HSAB was
made by Mr. Connors, Seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the December 3'g1 HSAB minutes was made by Ms. McCrae,
seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Water quality biologist position: Mr. Brace told the board that he had attended a B.O.S
workshop on December 4th where the FY/15 expense increases were discussed. Under the
section of new hires there were several part time positions and a full time position for a
water quality town biologist.
W.P.I presentation: This will be given at the community room, 4 Fairgrounds Rd. on
December 18th.
MARINE DEPARTMENT REPORT:
No Marine Department report given.
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
Jeff Carlson gave the NRD report.
Scallop Season update: Approximately 7,500-8,000 bushels have been harvested this
season.
Staffing Changes to NRD: A full time water quality biologist position will most likely
be added as well as a part time office administrator.
An assistant biologist will also be filling in for Tara Riley while she is on leave, this
employee will remain with NRD to assist with field work, hatchery management and
possibly lead groups of summer interns and assistants.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MARINE DEPARTMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT
No Public comment
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business
NEW BUSINESS
No New business
PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
No public comment
RECAP and ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Doug Smiths Presentation on seed mapping and stranding protocol
ADJOURN
Motion Made by Ms. McCrae, Seconded Mr. Glowacki and unanimously approved
Future Meetings:
January 7th
January 21st
Respectfully Submitted
Chuck Connors, Secretary