Shellfish Committee elects new chair, addresses nitrogen impacts on shellfish.
The Dennis Shellfish Committee elected Aaron Brochu as Chair, John Lowell as Vice Chair, and Ray Ward as Secretary, all unanimously, at its February 18 meeting. Committee members attributed major shellfish population loss to nitrogen contamination from septic system issues and lawn fertilizers,
Shellfish Committee · Meeting of February 18, 2026
DENNIS — The Dennis Shellfish Committee elected Aaron Brochu as Chair, John Lowell as Vice Chair, and Ray Ward as Secretary, all unanimously, at its February 18 meeting. Committee members attributed major shellfish population loss to nitrogen contamination from septic system issues and lawn fertilizers, with the town's multi-year Wastewater Project expected to address the problem. The Constable reported commercial harvests of approximately 270 bushels of quahogs and 75 bushels of soft-shell clams in 2025, with 19,000 bushels of oysters sold from the Crowes Pasture Aquaculture Area and 334 recreational permits issued.
The committee's upweller program grew 100,000 pieces of quahog seed and 150,000 pieces of oyster seed for Bass River propagation efforts.
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Source: the Shellfish Committee meeting of February 18, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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