Mass Shellfish Initiative
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The Massachusetts 
​Shellfish Initiative

Sign up HERE to receive email notices of upcoming MSI meetings, public comment periods, and reports.

Please CLICK HERE for all MSI reports, meeting minutes, and related documents



​Latest Updates.

  • The regulatory language to create the new Shellfish Advisory Panel has been approved by the General Court (with the State Budget).  Stay tuned for details on its formation.  
  • The final MSI Strategic Plan, approved by the MSI Task Force on March 30, 2021 can be found here
  • The MSI Strategic Plan was approved by consensus during the  March 30 Task Force meeting.  Video of the meeting (click here)
  • Summary of the strategic plan, as slides presented on 3/30  (click here)
  • Public Comments on the 1st Draft Strategic Plan (Click here)
  • Final Draft MSI Strategic Plan-for Task Force Review -distributed 3.17.21 (Click here)
  • Video available of the March 9 and March 12 Work Group Meetings.
  • MSI draft Strategic Plan Public Comment Period: February 12- March 5, 2021.   Click here for public notice and details.  Click here for the draft strategic plan.​ Click here for the recording of the Feb 22, 2021 Virtual Public Meeting. ​
  • The MSI Strategic Plan Work Group met with Taskforce members on February 11, 2021 from 9-11am to finalize the consensus draft that will be released for public comment.  Click here for Agenda and Meeting Recording. 

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

What is the Massachusetts

Shellfish Initiative (MSI)?

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. ​

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. ​

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.

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

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  • Home
  • Documents
  • Calendar
  • Participate
  • MSI Taskforce
  • MSI Assessment Committee
  • MSI Scoping Committee
  • MSI Strategic Plan Work Group
  • MSI Steering Committee
  • Contact
  • Acknowledgement