Harbor Shellfish Advisory Board raises daily bushel limit to 6 after debate on lost days and market effects

On Jan. 20 the Harbor Shellfish Advisory Board voted to raise the daily bay scallop stall limit from 5 bushels to 6 after an extended discussion about missed fishing days, winter algae fouling gear and local market pressure.

The motion, made by Mister Anderson and seconded by Miss Mayo and Mister Franzuto, passed by voice vote; Mister Anderson, Miss Mayo, Mister Brace, Mister Franzuto and the Chair recorded aye votes, and Mister Sherwin abstained. The board framed the change as an immediate, modest step to help fishermen recover days lost to cold weather and heavy algal “slime” that impedes dredging.

Tara Riley, the town’s natural resources coordinator, told the board she had limited reports from fishermen but that staff could move the item quickly through local processes if the board wanted to pursue a formal limit change. “You can do 6 bushels a day for the rest of the season,” Riley said when asked about operational feasibility, adding staff would seek select-board scheduling if the board recommended action.

Fishermen who addressed the board described operational limits caused by slime and by lost weather days, urging flexibility. Jim (self‑introduced) said the algae can “make it like a mop” and dramatically slows or stops harvesting. Another fishermen, Mister Logan, told the board, “It’s a finite fishery” and urged allowing harvest while the product remains viable.

Members debated potential market effects. Some fishermen and board members expressed concern that local buyers could lower prices in anticipation of higher volumes; others said the market reaction was not certain and that some fishers sell off‑island, which could hold prices. Board members said the measure was not mandatory for any fisher who preferred to remain at 5 bushels.

The board noted the change would be monitored and that the Shellfish Association and staff would track any price impacts. Riley said staff could pursue the procedural steps required for a formal change and recommended soliciting fishermen input before advancing to the Select Board.

The motion to increase the limit was the meeting’s final substantive action; the meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.