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Shellfish Restoration in Massachusetts

Steve Kirk, The Nature Conservancy 6/8/2015
massachusetts shellfish restoration
​Objective
To provide reference information to assist in the siting of shellfish restoration projects in the nearshore waters of Massachusetts, with a focus on Buzzards Bay.

Context
The results of a TNC led assessment of oyster habitat (reefs, sometimes called beds) and populations showed dramatic global declines:

Coastal areas of the Northeastern United States including the Commonwealth reflect this global trend.  The reduction in population and reef structure has been caused in part by disease, certain harvest practices, and siltation.  The Conservancy is committed to restoring this habitat and the MA Chapter hopes reach its goal of “5 by 50!”  TNC in Massachusetts is working to facilitate the restoration of 5,000 acres of oyster reef by the year 2050.

Justification
Oysters and their habitat (reef/bed) provide valuable services that benefit people and the coastal environment.  Shellfish provide food and are historically and culturally important in the region.  Oysters in particular have been shown to improve water quality through their filter-feeding, stabilize the shoreline through wave attenuation, and increase biodiversity by providing habitat in their vertical structure. 

Moving Forward
The Conservancy has committed to jumpstart the “5 by 50” campaign by completing ten demonstration projects.  It is important to note that there are many factors that should be considered in the siting of these projects.  Included on this page are links to maps that are designed to broadly identify areas of suitable habitat and growing conditions along with factors like regulatory considerations. 

This planning tool is meant to aid in shellfish restoration siting for the benefit of people and the coastal ecosystem here in Massachusetts. 

Contact
Steve Kirk, Coastal Restoration Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy - MA Chapter.
Stephen.kirk@tnc.org | 508-274-0775


Maps*
(Conditions and designations are subject to frequent change; consult MA Division of Marine Fisheries or town for current status)
• Designated Shellfish Growing Areas—open, prohibited, etc.
• Shellfish Habitat Suitability Areas—all shellfish species
• Seafloor Sediment Composition—grab sample points
• Habitat Suitability—bottom type, shellfish suitability (oyster and blue mussel), and bathymetry
• Habitat Suitability and Designated Growing Areas—bottom type, and shellfish suitability
• Recreational Shellfish Licenses—number of licenses by municipality
• Commercial Shellfish Licenses—number of licenses by municipality
• Shellfish Aquaculture Leased Areas—number of licenses by municipality
• Municipal Shellfish Restoration Opportunity—level of shellfish activity by municipality
Zoom Maps - Site Specific Examples
(Conditions and designations are subject to frequent change; consult MA Division of Marine Fisheries or town for current status)
 

*Maps Data Sources:

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP Eelgrass, Version 2/2006 and DEP Eelgrass for Selected Embayments, Version 2/2010. Available from the Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Information Technology Division.

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF).  “Aquaculture Figures Recorded in 2010”. Unpublished.

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Designated Shellfish Growing Areas (DSGA),  Version  10/2009. Available from the Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Information Technology Division. (Note these classifications are subject to frequent change. For current status consult DMF or town.)

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Shellfish Habitat Suitability Areas, Version 5/2011. Available from the Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Information Technology Division.

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). “Shellfish Landings Mass 1955-2009”. Unpublished.

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) – Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Seafloor Sediment Database, Version 12-9-2011. Unpublished.

Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS). Bathymetry of the Gulf of Maine, 12/1999. Available from the Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Information Technology Division.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Municipal Shellfish Activity, 2011. Based on interviews with shellfish constables, harbor masters, or other individuals responsible for shellfish regulation. Unpublished.