Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $91,000 to Support Climate Resilience in Fisheries and Aquaculture

CAPE COD — The Department of Fish & Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) announced today two grants totaling $91,514 for high-efficiency ice machines in areas of significant aquaculture or commercial shellfishing activity on Cape Cod. This investment will help commercial shellfishers and aquaculturists meet requirements to protect public health by providing direct shoreside access to ice from an approved source.  

“Massachusetts’ shellfishing industry is a big part of our nation-leading blue economy and essential to history, culture, and tourism in our coastal communities,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Supporting these projects will give commercial shellfish harvesters and growers an important tool to ensure they can continue to provide fresh, local, sustainably harvested seafood for generations to come.” 

In 2023, DMF awarded $1.6 million through the Massachusetts Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program. The funding supported twenty projects investing in innovative solutions for commercial fisheries. Today’s announcement is the second round of funding based on community feedback from the first round.

“After hearing from the commercial fishing community, we decided to specifically address the demonstrated need for accessible, commercial ice machines to support shellfish aquaculture farmers in transporting their products safely to market,” said Division of Marine Fisheries Director Dan McKiernan. “Innovative, environmentally friendly efforts like this will boost sustainable seafood businesses in Massachusetts amid climate challenges.”

Two projects will receive funding through the DMF Climate Change Resilience in Fisheries and Aquaculture Grants in 2024:

Town of Wellfleet ($42,095): The Town of Wellfleet will purchase and install two high-efficiency ice machines and refrigerated storage containers to support commercial fishermen and aquaculture operators on shore. 

Cape Cod Oyster Company, Barnstable ($49,418): The company will be using the funds to purchase and install of a high-efficiency ice machine and the refrigeration of storage containers to hold the ice produced.

“On the Cape and Islands, our commercial fishing and aquaculture industries bolster our local economy and provide residents and visitors alike with access to fresh and healthy food,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “I am thrilled that the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game's Division of Marine Fisheries has awarded critical funding for these projects in our region. These high-efficiency ice machines will support local fishers and harvesters as they continue to catch sustainable food from our waters.” 

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