FALMOUTH – Falmouth selectmen considered aquaculture equipment rental fees at a meeting early last month.
“The rental fees, we believe, will help the growers succeed, because the town is uniquely positioned to offer some resources at a cost that is less than what these resources would cost to the private grower otherwise”, said Assistant Town Manager Peter Johnson-Staub.
Only aquaculture license holders inside the borders of great pond and estuaries, who were awarded a Shell fishing license after June 4th are subjected to fees.
The fees which are based on a set cost per 1,000 oysters are capped at 280,000.
This is the first time the town of Falmouth hasn’t had rental fees for aquaculture before.
“It really is to promote the success of this program, as we’ve discussed, we are promoting aquaculture in the estuaries as part of a nitrogen removal water qualities initiative as well as to stimulate a business opportunity, and to promote propagation of shellfish for wild harvest” said Johnson-Staub.
Johnson-Staub confirmed all of the capital from the fees will be recycled back into the Shell fishing account and the aquaculture program.
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