The Shellfish Advisory Panel details, including appointments and meeting information, is available at DMF's website. All implementation of the MSI Strategic Plan and the SAP will be managed by Mass DMF. This MSI website will not receive further updates.
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).
- 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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Participate
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 |
