February 19, 2021 — The Massachusetts Shellfish Initiative has developed a five-year strategic plan that could overhaul the management of the state’s shellfish resources, including a recommendation for a dedicated state shellfish laboratory.
The 2021-2025 strategic plan, developed by the 21-member MSI Task Force that includes Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, recommends increased public funding for additional staff and resources at the Division of Marine Fisheries. It also seeks more public funds to promote “the economic, environmental and social benefits” of the state’s shellfish resources.
“In many cases existing state and local government resources provide insufficient support to adequately manage the state’s shellfish resources and shellfish fisheries,” the draft of the plan stated.