Research: Aquaculture
Shellfishing has changed dramatically over the last decade. The Shellfish Constables have made great strides in the research and development of hatchery raised shellfish such as quahogs, oysters and scallops.
The industry of private shellfish aquaculture is experiencing rapid growth in Massachusetts.
Netting placed over shellfish habitat attracts a set of shellfish like soft shell clams and protects the small animals from predators.
Predator controls such as bottom cages protect juvenile shellfish until they are sufficient size to be transplanted to areas where they may be harvested.
Shellfish, as living animals may contract dieseases. An example of this is the Oyster diesease MSX which has reached epidemic proportions along some east coast areas.
As a result moving or storing oysters in waterbodies other than where they were harvested is against the law.
Shellfishing has changed dramatically over the last decade. The Shellfish Constables have made great strides in the research and development of hatchery raised shellfish such as quahogs, oysters and scallops.
The industry of private shellfish aquaculture is experiencing rapid growth in Massachusetts.
Netting placed over shellfish habitat attracts a set of shellfish like soft shell clams and protects the small animals from predators.
Predator controls such as bottom cages protect juvenile shellfish until they are sufficient size to be transplanted to areas where they may be harvested.
Shellfish, as living animals may contract dieseases. An example of this is the Oyster diesease MSX which has reached epidemic proportions along some east coast areas.
As a result moving or storing oysters in waterbodies other than where they were harvested is against the law.
Municipal Propagation
The municipal shellfish programs take the shellfish seed and grow them to a size where they are less vulnerable to the many predators in the marine environment. The shellfish are then planted in recreational and commercial shellfishing areas to supplement wild shellfish stocks.