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Board raises concerns about redesigned scallop-permit button and centralizing permit sales
Summary
Members criticized a new scallop-permit button design produced by a new vendor and expressed concern that centralizing permit sales outside the marine office has reduced the flow of enforcement and user information; they asked to add the item to a future agenda.
The Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board discussed the town’s redesigned scallop-permit button May 20 and said the new design and centralized sales have reduced public-facing knowledge about shellfish rules.
Board members said the new vendor’s design lacks the traditional scallop-shell look and that Natural Resources should have replaced “marine department” on the button if the design was to change. Members argued that when permits were sold in the marine or shellfish office, sellers provided accurate, succinct information to buyers; centralization of sales, they said, has led to permit sellers who are less familiar with shellfish regulations and therefore less able to advise purchasers.
Members said Tara alerted them to the vendor change and that some staff in Natural Resources and shellfish permitting were upset about not being consulted. The board agreed to put the button design and permit-sales process on a future meeting agenda and suggested collecting historic button artwork to provide to the vendor if the town reorders the buttons.
No formal action or funding was taken; members asked staff to follow up with Natural Resources and with the vendor before next season’s permit expiration date.
