HomeMy WebLinkAboutShellfish Survey Pelletier Trust 18 Nelberth Ter 1
TO: Conservation Commission
FROM: Natural Resources, Town of Barnstable
DATE: July 23, 2024
RE: APPLICATION: Proposed reconstruction of revetment, jetty, platform and
walkways
APPLICANT: Anthony F. Pelletier Trust
18 Nelberth Terrace
Hyannis, MA 02601
LOCATION: 18 Nelberth Terrace
Hyannis, MA 02601
REPRESENTATIVE: Roy E. Okurowski P.E.
WRS Engineering LLC
67 Stetson Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
SHELLFISH SURVEY RESULTS: A shellfish survey was conducted on July 23, 2024
by Shellfish Biologist Elizabeth Lewis, Shellfish Technician Ryan Henry and Seasonal
Shellfish Assistants Aydan Craveiro, Cecelia Dunham, and Amanda Lee. Low tide
occurred at 8:20AM (-0.8ft.) with the survey occurring between 7:40AM and 9:11AM.
72 sample plots (3 sq. ft.) were examined for substrate type, shellfish, and habitat
suitability. Several transects were done, spaced 10ft. apart beginning at the work zone
limit stake and the southern side of the jetty. See the diagram below for details.
Town of Barnstable
Marine and Environmental Affairs Department
1189 Phinney’s Lane, Centerville, MA 02632
Derek Lawson, Director
508-790-6273 / Fax 508-790-6275
www.townofbarnstable.us
Animal Control 508-790-6274 Natural Resources 5 08-790-6272
Harbormaster 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck 508-790-6272
Marinas 508-790-6273 Sandy Neck Gatehouse 508 -362-8300
Moorings 508-790-6273
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Diagram of Shellfish Survey Plots: At 10ft. intervals.
North South
Areas where the tide was far out enough, were dug using a steamer rake; these were
transects A through D from 0ft. to 10ft. The tide was coming in too fast to dry dig E
through J. Intertidal plots were carefully observed first for softshell clam (Mya arenaria)
holes and then dug for quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria). Quahogs were harvested
using a basket rake with a 3/8” lined mesh to retain any seed shellfish. Sediment varied
significantly between the south side of the jetty and north side. On the south side, much
healthier sediment was observed. This consisted of some mud, but large grain sand mixed
throughout with lots of rocks and shells. The northern side of the jetty was vastly
different, especially around the float, and was clearly a muddy deposition area. Both sides
had large boulders in some areas covered in rockweed (Fucus sp.) The survey was
continued along the rock wall and 20ft. past a small rock outcropping to encompass the
possible work zone area.
There is a small, but significant population of oysters at the bottom of the concrete ramp
in this location (just above 0ft. starting point). No softshells were found in the survey
area. Stout razor holes were observed outside of the survey area. There is not a significant
amount of quahogs within the footprint. 11 quahogs were found in total in the 72 plots,
along with 1 blood arc and a conch. Sizes of quahogs ranged from seed, less than half an
inch, to over 3 inches. The younger quahogs looked healthy while the older quahogs
found in the mud showed signs of anoxic sediment beginning to degrade their shells.
Please refer to the shellfish survey data sheet for specifics (attached).
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: There is not a significant population of shellfish at this
location though the substrate in the intertidal zone is suitable for softshell clams. None
were found on site. A small population of oysters were found on site. The project
proposal site in DMF/SC28.0 is rated an 8/10 as adopted by the Conservation
Commission in 2017.
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Natural Resources has no objection to this proposed project, though we do have some
requests. We would like to be present for the pre-construction meeting to see the full
work zone area when it is staked. We are also requesting that the float has float stops so
at low tide it cannot rest on bottom. The float is creating scouring and further degrading
the habitat by sitting on bottom. We are not requesting to relocate the current population
of shellfish at this time based on the assumed work zone area. Should this change upon
the preconstruction meeting, this will be revisited.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. Lewis, Shellfish Biologist
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