Massachusetts Shellfish is...
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​Aquaculturists
Wild Harvesters
Recreational Harvesters
Tribes
Business Owners
Restoration Advocates
Non-profits
Town & State Officials
Wholesale Shellfish Dealers
Researchers
​Restaurateurs
The General Public 

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What is the Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative (MSI)?

Who is working on this Initiative?

The MSI will provide overarching guidelines, goals, and/or a plan for the state to maximize the economic, environmental, and social benefits of Massachusetts’ shellfish resources (shellfish, public land open to shellfishing, etc), built with input from the various stakeholder groups statewide.

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 and a comprehensive statewide plan would support continued responsible growth.

The MSI Steering Committee and MSI Task Force are leading this effort in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but it will be driven by the shellfish stakeholders: wild harvesters (commercial and recreational), aquaculturists, tribes, restoration community, town and state officials, concerned public. 

Has this been done elsewhere?

Washington, California, Oregon, Connecticut, Alaska and Rhode Island are in varying stages of implementing shellfish initiatives within their states. (For more information about those initiatives, please see the 'Services' page)

The MSI is the first time a shellfish plan for the state is being driven from the ground up, by the industry.  We are hopeful that the MSI will leverage support for existing and new projects to improve businesses, public shellfish resources, and our coastal environment.” 
Chris Sherman, President Mass Aquaculture Association