Program Description

The Shellfish Department's primary function is to protect and nourish the shellfisheries in Provincetown Harbor.

Under the authority granted the Town by the State of Massachusetts the main duties of the Shellfish Constable

include the following:

• Purchase, grow and plant shellfish stock for the public shellfish beds

• Patrol shellfish areas for safety and to enforce regulations

• Assist with applications for private shellfish grants

• Coordinate operations with the State Division of Marine Fisheries

• Maintain the Town’s shellfish nursery

• Inspection and upkeep of the aquaculture development area (ADA) and intertidal grant area

• Liaison to the Town's Shellfish Committee

Budget Statement

The proposed budget seeks to significantly increase the quahog seed planted in recreational areas and to improve the safety around aquaculture while staying within a reduced base amount for operating expenditures. Continuing to shift funds from "Shellfish Stock" to "Repair & Maintenance" allows us to both succeed in growing our own shellfish from small seed and cleary mark dangers to navigation associated with our efforts to encourage aquaculture.

Major Accomplishments for 2020

• Received National Sea Grant COVID-19 Rapid Response funding of $5250.00 to be paid to Town shellfish farmers to benefit recreational propagation efforts
• Extended the recreational shellfishing season to provide a socially distanced activity during April 2020
• Utilized the Baldwin Shellfish Nursery for grow-out of quahogs, as well as oysters, used in Town propagation
• Collaborated with the Center for Coastal Studies to remove over one ton of “legacy” aquaculture debris from the west end shellfish flats

• Provided communal aquaculture work barges

• Completed the study of Roseate and Common Turn staging areas necessary to understand the possible geographic boundaries of aquaculture in Provincetown’s harbor

FY 2022 Objectives

Objectives for 2022 include:

• Significantly increase quahog density adjacent to the west end breakwater using seed grown in the Town nursery

• Reconfigure the Baldwin Shellfish Nursery to focus on quahog production

• Complete permitting on Town, State and Federal levels for five new acres of aquaculture and assist new aquaculturists with grant permitting

• Work with the Shellfish Committee to reassess goals with the Town in light of changes to our year-round economy

• Provide signage and markings around aquaculture