About the project
Through funding provided by the MassBays Research and Planning grant program, the Nature Conservancy (TNC) together with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) conducted a statewide shellfish resource inventory and analysis to aid in the future prioritization of coastal sites for shellfish reef restoration in the state. The project facilitated the public stakeholder input process for the review of DMF official agency guidelines on shellfish propagation; identified geographies and towns most interested in pursuing shellfish restoration opportunities; helped DMF establish the policy framework necessary before site selection work can begin to identify locations of suitable restoration sites; and assisted municipalities with guidelines and steps required for shellfish restoration site selection.
To read more details about the project and results, read the final report: Building the Foundation for Shellfish Restoration in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Nature Conservancy. 2012.