Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative Strategic Plan Takes Shape
The National Shellfish Initiative, and subsequent initiatives in states on both coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico, have led to meaningful opportunities for expanding both shellfish farming and restoration. The Massachusetts Oyster Project has been supportive of the Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative (MSI), which started in 2017 and continues into 2021 bringing wild commercial and recreational shellfish harvesters, shellfish farmers, non-profits, town and state officials, tribes and other stakeholders together.
The MSI is nearing the conclusion of its work, and a public comment period on its draft strategic plan is open until March 5. The Massachusetts Oyster Project is appreciate of the iterative and collaborative work done thus far by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and other parties involved to develop this draft strategic plan, and we believe this is an important step in addressing the needs and challenges in managing the state’s shellfish resources now and into the future.
In particular, we appreciate points that emphasis the need for greater funding of patrols and oversight, using oysters for removing nitrogen as part of wastewater plans, exploring the opportunity for oyster sanctuaries that act as broodstock as well as considering restoring oysters into contaminated water.
Below, we share our comment on the draft strategic plan, and encourage others to share your feedback on the plan with the Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative to emphasize the importance of the above points in the Strategic Plan Work Group’s final draft of the strategic plan to be submitted to the MSI Task Force [the comment period has now passed].
February 12, 2021
Chairman Daniel McKiernan
Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative
RE: Draft MSI Strategic Plan Public Comment
Dear Chairman Daniel McKiernan:
On Behalf of the Massachusetts Oyster Project, I would like to offer the following comments on the MSI Draft Strategic Plan. The Massachusetts Oyster Project (MOP) is a state-wide nonprofit whose mission is to work toward the restoration of eastern oysters and other native shellfish to the waters of Massachusetts for their benefits to both coastal ecosystems and coastal communities. MOP would again like to thank the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and other parties involved for all the work thus far in developing this draft plan. We believe that this is an important step in addressing the needs and challenges in managing the state’s shellfish resources now and into the future.
This plan identifies and addresses many issues that we believe are important to the management of oyster and other shellfish resources in Massachusetts and growing the environmental and economic benefits they provide. One thing that has become clear from the MSI planning process and our experience is that state and local agencies are lacking the resources needed to effectively manage our shellfish resources. This plan addresses this issue through goals 2.1-2.3 by calling for increased state and local funding, collaboration with other state and federal agencies and increased grant opportunities. As noted in the plan, these additional resources will be necessary to open future waters to shellfishing, creating resiliency in the industry and creating opportunities for restoration. We are ready to assist in any way we can to advocate for these needed resources.
Goal 5.1 of the plan notes the recent interest in including oyster aquaculture and municipal propagation programs in wastewater management plans by Cape Cod communities, and the concerns about the impacts this might have on oyster markets if implemented on a large scale. MOP supports these efforts and believes that oysters can play an important role in meeting wastewater management goals, while also providing other ecosystem benefits. We understand there are concerns that this may have on the oyster market and hope that this would not be a limiting factor moving forward. We encourage DMF and others to study this issue further as noted in goal 5.1 and seek solutions that would minimize economic impacts to the shellfish industry while also allowing these efforts to move forward. DMF should also study and consider the benefits that a large-scale oyster restoration would have on other cape cod marine resources. States like Maryland and Virginia are considering nutrient trading programs that compensate growers for the environmental benefits provided by oysters, this is some thing DMF could study as well in considering ways to grow the shellfish industry and improving coastal waters.
Goal 5.2 of this plan calls for greater support for restoration efforts and a renewed consideration for restoration in waters currently closed to shellfishing. MOP has long advocated for restoration activities across the state while understanding the public health needs and requirements of the Shellfish Sanitation Program. This is not an issue we take lightly and understand that careful study, planning and pilot programs will be needed to adequately understand the costs and benefits. We also strongly support the consideration of “shellfish Sanctuaries”, which we believe could improve the health of coastal ecosystems and bolster nearby shellfishing opportunities.
In closing, we support this draft strategic plan and appreciate this opportunity to participate in this planning process. We are pleased to see coastal environments are a focus of this plan through increased funding to address coastal pollution, communicating the ecological benefits of shellfish, and greater support for shellfish restoration efforts across the state. We believe this is an important and exciting time for shellfish in Massachusetts and look forward to assisting wherever possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you any questions and we look forward to working with the shellfish Advisory Panel on these very important issues.
Sincerely,
Sarah Valencik
President, Massachusetts Oyster Project