Select Board sets seasonal closure for Quahog Bay to aid recovery

The Harpswell Select Board voted June 18 to close Quahog Bay for conservation from July 1 through Nov. 30 to allow mudflat and shellfish resources to rest and recover.

Harbourmaster Darcy Kutcher presented the proposal and said the Marine Resource Committee had voted unanimously to recommend the seasonal closure at its May meeting. Select board members discussed the timing and observed that an earlier closure to protect resources can make a measurable difference in productivity; no public opposition was recorded during the hearing. The board closed the public hearing and approved the closure by motion.

The closure will be in effect July 1–Nov. 30; staff will post notices and work with state shellfish authorities if coordination is necessary.