Overview
The Shellfish Section strives to manage shellfishery through propagation and aquaculture techniques.
Water quality monitoring and improvement projects are conducted to address point and non-point sources of pollution to ensure a healthy and productive ecosystem.
Shellfish Management controls all of the Commercial and Recreational shellfish areas within the town of Yarmouth.
Each year, seed and adult shellfish are purchased to propagate and supplement natural shellfish stocks in all rivers and bays throughout the town.
In conjunction with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, areas are opened and closed on a rotating schedule, depending on water quality and shellfish availability. Our efforts are focused on:
- Maintaining the quahog fishery
- Re-establishing the oyster and bay scallop fishery
- Re-establishing of historic soft shell clam beds