Friday, February 16, 2024

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries discussion in Newburyport

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Clam Depuration Plant on Plum Island in the City of Newburyport is an important resource for the state's soft shell clam industry.

Unfortunately, it has suffered serious damage and the loss of the wells that supply it with salt water due to coastal erosion.

Yesterday, the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife convened public officials and stakeholders to discuss the future of the plant, and I was pleased to be a part of that discussion, both on a plant tour in Newburyport and an evening strategy session at the DMF Annisquam River Marine Station in the City of Gloucester, MA.

While the challenges associated with the re-opening and continued operation of the plant are substantial, last night's discussion clearly moved us forward.

Through that robust conversation, which included DMF Director Dan McKiernan and DFW Commissioner Tom O' Shea, and several other state and local officials and industry stakeholders, we were able to consider several options and begin to chart a course to support those who depend on the plant.