HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-18-2025 -CCCFAbarn0925u
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Baler • Richard Banks • Charles Borkoski • Greg Connors • Beau Gribbin
Eric Hesse • Barry LaBar • Sam Linnell • Bradley Louw • Kurt Martin • Jesse Rose • Brian Sherin
1566 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 (508) 945-2432 info@capecodfishermen.org www.capecodfishermen.org
September 18, 2025
Town Manager Mark Ells and members of the Quality of Life working group,
The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance strongly advocates that Barnstable continue to
allow the parking and storage of commercial boat trailers on residential properties. Those trailers
are often a fisherman’s only way to access the sea and bring home a catch that sustains livelihoods
and a way of life.
The Fishermen’s Alliance is a member -based, nonprofit organization that works to build lasting
solutions to protect our ecosystem and the future of our fisheries. We work with 150 fishing
businesses and more than 300 fishing families, making our organization the leading voice for
commercial fishermen on Cape Cod. We are deeply invested in opportunities to grow the original
Blue Economy as well as create more resiliency within the industry and the overall seafood supply
chain.
Prohibiting trailers that are 20 -feet or more on residential properties will be deeply damaging to
small businesses that are already operating on raz or -thin margins. Many fishermen who trailer their
boats have been on mooring and slip waiting lists for decades. The pure volume of recreational
boaters as well as their ability to often pay a higher rate has meant commercial fishermen need to
trailer their boats to landings and aquac ulture grants. Without the ability to keep trailers on their
property, many would simply be unable to work.
Commercial fisheries have always been an essential part of the Cape’s economy and identity. Today
the peninsula’s fisheries are worth more than $80 million, close to $250 million with a common
multiplier that includes such things as fuel, gear work and processing. That number does not
include the immeasurable value of the industry to a sustainable, healthy community with year -
round jobs that pay a living wage. With more people aware of the benefits of buying and eating local
fish more young fishermen are entering the business and they are more likely to start their careers
by trailering their boats because the costs of entry are so high.
In recent years there has been an emphasis on protecting working waterfronts at the state and
federal level as the value of a strong domestic food supply is increasingly recognized . Working
waterfronts are the heart and soul of the Cape’s coastal towns , but they don’t work without
protections on the land as well. With tools like zoning bylaws, town charters, local comprehensive
plans and easement protections, Barnstable can plan with intention to ensure our shores, and our
coastal communities, remain both vibrant and working for generations to come.
Smooth Seas,
John Pappalardo, CEO
CC: Chairman Stephen Robichaud and members of the planning board
Town Council President Craig Ta mash
Vice President Kris Clark