Harbor Shellfish board reviews dredge registration, 35‑pound weight rule and possible move to six‑box commercial limit

The Harbor Shellfish Advisory Board discussed dredge-design registration, enforcement of a 35‑pound dredge‑weight limit and contingency planning to raise the commercial scallop limit from five to six boxes at its Oct. 7 meeting.

Tara Riley, presenting the Natural Resources report, said the new shellfish bags have been effective as of October and that the department plans to send notice to permit holders outlining how to comply with the updated rules. "The new shellfish bags have gone into effect as of October," Riley said. She described a simple submission form that will ask commercial permit holders to list their permit number, name and preferred dredge type ("traditional dredge," "bar plate dredge" or "both"). JC, the shellfish warden, will distribute the form on opening day and will verify dredge weights in the field, Riley said.

Riley confirmed the department's weight allowance for dredges…