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Latest Updates.
- MSI draft Strategic Plan Public Comment Period: February 12- March 5, 2021. Click here for public notice and details. Click here for the recording of the Feb 22 Virtual Public Meeting.
- The MSI Strategic Plan Work Group met with Taskforce members on February 11 from 9-11am to finalize the consensus draft that will be released for public comment. Click here for Agenda and Meeting Recording.
- The Taskforce met via Zoom on Friday, December 4th, at 9am. Click here for Agenda, Meeting Recording, and Meeting Summary. The Taskforce assembled a Strategic Plan Work Group that will distill the Assessment and Scoping Reports into a strategic plan. There will be opportunity for the public to comment the strategic plan during its development.
- We anticipate the Taskforce to reconvene twice between October and March to make final MSI recommendations based on the findings from the Assessment Committee and Scoping Committee.
- After a four month delay to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 10th the Assessment Committee Chair, Jeff Kennedy (DMF), sent the final draft of the Assessment Committee Report back to the Assessment Committee and Steering Committee for final review. Their edits were due back to the committee chair on July 24 and the final Assessment Committee Report was posted to the MSI website in October.
Please CLICK HERE for all MSI reports, meeting minutes, and related documents
MSI Timeline.
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Massachusetts Shellfish is...
Business Owners
Commercial Shellfish Harvesters
Marine Habitat Restoration Advocates
Non-profits
Recreational Harvesters
Researchers
Restaurateurs
Shellfish Farmers
The General Public
Town & State Officials
Tribes
Wholesale Shellfish Dealers
Commercial Shellfish Harvesters
Marine Habitat Restoration Advocates
Non-profits
Recreational Harvesters
Researchers
Restaurateurs
Shellfish Farmers
The General Public
Town & State Officials
Tribes
Wholesale Shellfish Dealers
What is the Massachusetts
The MSI will provide overarching guidelines, goals, and a strategic plan for the state to maximize the economic, environmental, and social benefits of Massachusetts’ shellfish resources, built with input from shellfish stakeholders across the state. MSI is not a regulatory body and cannot change regulations or policies.
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Who is working on MSI?The MSI Taskforce is leading this effort in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but the recommendations will be driven by input from the shellfish stakeholders: wild harvesters (commercial and recreational), aquaculturists, restoration community, town and state officials, tribes, and concerned public.
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How does this benefit me?Shellfish are a valuable resource to the people of the Commonwealth, play a critical role in driving our economy, and support healthy coastal ecosystems. Interest in and development of all aspects of shellfish have been on the rise in recent years. A comprehensive statewide plan would support enhanced opportunities for all stakeholders and provide a thoughtful and responsible path for future growth.
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Has this been done elsewhere?The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is not the first state to strive to implement a shellfish initiative. Available resources about initiatives in other states can be found below.
Washington California/Oregon Connecticut Alaska Rhode Island NOAA federal shellfish initiative page |
