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Constable: Recreational oyster harvest in Dennis set to open Dec. 1 as water testing continues
Summary
The Constable told the Town of Dennis Shellfish Committee that recreational oyster harvest is scheduled to open Dec. 1 and recreational quahog harvest Dec. 2; water samples for key rivers have not yet returned and the Constable is coordinating with area biologists.
The Constable reported to the Town of Dennis Shellfish Committee on Nov. 20 that recreational oyster harvest in town is scheduled to open on Dec. 1, with recreational quahog harvest planned for Dec. 2. "Recreational oyster harvest will open on December 1," the Constable said, adding that Bass River, Swan River and Sesuit Harbor are set to open on Dec. 1 as well.
The Constable told the committee that water-sample results for those water bodies "have not come back yet," and that she is "working with our area biologists to get that before Thanksgiving," a timeline she described as necessary before finalizing openings. She also said she will begin sending reminders to grant holders, wait‑list applicants and commercial partners after Thanksgiving and that recreational licenses will go on sale under a new fee schedule approved to start Dec. 2.
Committee members asked whether the Dec. 1 date was chosen because of confidence in water quality. The Constable said the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries sets water‑quality standards and season timing: "It's the division of marine fisheries [that] sets forward a standard for water quality, and that's when they've determined that the river needs the water quality each year." The Committee discussed the possibility of exploring openings earlier if testing supports it.
The Constable also described operational preparations: the upweller used for seed was cleaned, most seed had been broadcast, and some smaller seed would be overwintered in deeper water to avoid ice damage. She said most grants are meeting minimum productivity thresholds based on recent visual and formal inspections, and that she prefers conducting inspections with grant holders present.
The committee did not record a roll‑call vote on the season openings in the transcript; the Constable’s update was informational and the committee discussed next steps for testing and licensing. The Constable said she would provide testing updates as results arrive and will notify stakeholders about license sales and paperwork requirements.
