Shellfish Enhancement & Restoration

It is one of our goals to keep the shellfisheries of Barnstable County productive, helping support both the natural environment and economy of Cape Cod.  As such, shellfish enhancement and restoration has been a priority for the Marine Program.  This includes applied research projects as well as efforts to assist towns with management and enhancement of shellfish populations.  To do this, we work closely with the municipal shellfish constables or officers providing training and research programs when needed, assist with obtaining bids for and purchasing local seed stock, and have also formed the Barnstable County Shellfish Advisory Committee (BCSAC).  The BCSAC brings together the shellfish departments from all towns in Barnstable County to discuss issues relevant to management of shellfisheries.  With these services we hope Cape Cod's shellfisheries will continue to be viable.