Upcoming MSI Public Comment Period and Public Meetings Schedule.
A comment period and four public meetings to solicit preliminary public and stakeholder feedback to inform The Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative (MSI) Taskforce's Strategic Plan have been scheduled. Anyone interested in participating in the development of a strategic plan focused on protecting public access to, and ensuring the sustainability of, the Commonwealth's shellfish resources are encouraged to submit written comments and/or attend one of the four scheduled public hearings.
MSI Meetings Calendar
DRAFT MSI Assessment Committee Report
Meeting 1: September 18, 2019; Chatham Community Center 702 Main Street Chatham, MA 02633 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
Meeting 2: September 23, 2019; DMF Gloucester Marine Station 30 Emerson Ave.Gloucester, MA 01930 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
Meeting 3: September 30, 2019; Katharine Cornell Theatre, Tisbury Town Hall 51 Spring Street, Tisbury, MA 02568 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
Meeting 4: October 17th , 2019; Massachusetts Maritime Academy Admiral’s Hall 101 Academy Drive Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
The deadline for written comments has been extended to 5pm on October 17, 2019. Public comments will also be accepted verbally at one of the four scheduled public meetings.
More information on the MSI Scoping Committee charge
MSI Meetings Calendar
DRAFT MSI Assessment Committee Report
Meeting 1: September 18, 2019; Chatham Community Center 702 Main Street Chatham, MA 02633 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
Meeting 2: September 23, 2019; DMF Gloucester Marine Station 30 Emerson Ave.Gloucester, MA 01930 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
Meeting 3: September 30, 2019; Katharine Cornell Theatre, Tisbury Town Hall 51 Spring Street, Tisbury, MA 02568 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
Meeting 4: October 17th , 2019; Massachusetts Maritime Academy Admiral’s Hall 101 Academy Drive Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 (7pm - 8:30 pm)
The deadline for written comments has been extended to 5pm on October 17, 2019. Public comments will also be accepted verbally at one of the four scheduled public meetings.
More information on the MSI Scoping Committee charge
| revised_msi_public_meeting_advisory.pdf |
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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 Share your Input... Participate |
What is the Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative (MSI)? |
Who is working on this Initiative? |
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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.
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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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.
Has this been done elsewhere?https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/content/national-shellfish-initiative
Washington, California, Oregon, Connecticut, Alaska and Rhode Island are among the states at varying stages of implementing shellfish initiatives. |
