The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has scheduled two public meetings to conduct an industry assessment of the needs and participation in wet storage or “de-sanding” services to be provided at the MarineFisheries Shellfish Purification Plant in Newburyport.  All Massachusetts shellfish dealers and interested stakeholders are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Dates, times and locations are as follows:

November 28, 2012; 4-6 PM
Quest Center
1213 Purchase Street
3rd Floor Conference Room
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Contact: Jeff Kennedy (978) 282-0308 x165

November 29, 2012; 4-6 PM
Annisquam River Marine Fisheries Station
Division of Marine Fisheries
Conference Room
30 Emerson Avenue
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Contact: Jeff Kennedy (978) 282-0308 x165

MarineFisheries is seeking input to determine the scope and applications for wet storage or “de-sanding” services to be provided at the Shellfish Purification Plant in Newburyport.  State and federal wet storage/”de-sanding” regulations and requirements will be reviewed, as well as Plant capacity and shellfish treatment capabilities.  The goal is to gather input on the needs of industry and extent of participation for the; types of shellfish; length or duration of wet storage; quantity of shellstock; time of year; costs; or other criteria. 

If you wish to contribute but are unable to attend either meeting, a survey is available for your comments, please call or email Jeff Kennedy at (978) 282-0308 x165, jeff.kennedy@state.ma.us.