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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
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 |
