Select Board adopts updated shellfish rules after yearlong review; fishermen voice dredge concerns

The Nantucket Select Board voted Sept. 10 to adopt a comprehensive set of amendments to Town Regulations, Chapter 260 (fishing and shellfishing), following a yearlong review by the Harbor Shellfish Advisory Board (SHAB) and town counsel. Natural Resources staff presented the package, explaining the edits were intended to align town rules with state language, clarify enforcement procedures, add violations and penalties, and update licensing and harvest provisions. Key elements include: - Terminology updates to match state definitions (for example, “base scallop ring” updated to “base scallop growth line”). - A requirement that catch reports be submitted before certain license renewals, and that scallop dredge alterations be inspected and not harm eelgrass. - Revisions to the recreational/commercial licensing categories (the “retired commercial scalloper license” renamed the “recreational scallop dredge license”). - Changes to the conch/whelk fishery: pot limits increased from 90 to 120, and commercial harvest schedules were staggered between Nantucket and Madaket harbors. - Apprentice program changes: reduced required days from 40 to 25 and added best management practices. Select Board action and public comment: The board closed the public hearing and adopted the regulation changes by unanimous vote. Fishermen’s concerns: Several commercial scallopers testified at the hearing. Ken Ames, a 50‑year commercial scalloper, said the 35‑pound dredge weight limit established in 2014 was “an unreasonable expectation” for some newer dredge designs and warned that enforcement could catch otherwise legal gear. Harbor Shellfish Advisory Board Chair Andy Lowell said SHAB had reviewed the changes over roughly 30 meetings, included fishermen on the working group, and unanimously recommended the amendments. Natural Resources staff said the 35‑pound limit has been on the books since 2014 and that wardens had weighed dredges in prior years. Why it matters: The amendments aim to reduce conflicts, update enforcement tools and protect eelgrass beds while supporting continued commercial fishing. Natural Resources staff said the changes will clarify compliance expectations and give enforcement the violations and inspection authority the town lacked in some areas. Next steps: Town staff will implement the revised rules, pursue outreach and provide guidance to the fleet; the board signaled willingness to revisit minor implementation problems if they arise in practice.