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Natural Resources report: eelgrass plan progressing; board hears scallop parasite reports and catch estimates
Summary
Natural Resources staff updated the board on the eelgrass management plan, hatchery and mussel projects, and reported early-season observations of a scallop parasite and preliminary catch estimates; members discussed collecting samples and improving catch reporting.
Natural Resources staff told the Shellfish Advisory Board in April 2025 that work on an eelgrass management plan is moving forward, and that the department is preparing an algae-culture and ribbed-mussel component for resiliency projects. Staff also reported outreach on a potential partnership with a yacht club for funding and said a hatchery schedule targets progress by July 1.
On the scallop fishery, Natural Resources staff gave a preliminary range for recent harvest volumes and said data are incomplete. The department estimated a "high-end" harvest near 5,000 bushels and, with incomplete reporting, a lower-bound estimate that staff described as provisional; staff said they are working to improve tracking via fishery-reporting apps that could interface with state databases. The board asked staff to follow up with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) about any planned visits tied to season-extension assessments.
Board members discussed a newly observed tissue discoloration in scallop meat — described in the meeting as a kidney parasite life stage and referred to colloquially by some harvesters as "Dalmatians" because of spotted appearance. Natural Resources staff said researchers have documented a kidney parasite in nearby bays and that the parasite appears to be more common in older scallops; staff said samples from Nantucket are being saved and sent for analysis and that harvesters should discard visibly affected meat. John Logan and other harvester members said they would collect location data for any affected animals to help the department map occurrence.
Staff also said the department is considering a dredge-impact study to assess new dredge designs currently being used by many harvesters; the department said boats must submit alteration letters, photos and weights for nonstandard dredges prior to the commercial season so staff can document equipment now in use. Several harvesters expressed interest in an independent third-party study and urged the department to proceed quickly so rules and inspection procedures are clear before next season.
Board members and staff agreed to continue documentation and sampling for the parasite, to pursue improved catch-reporting tools, and to discuss the dredge study and eelgrass-management details at future meetings.
