Brewster Accepting Applications Through Monday for Razor Clam Harvest Program

CCB MEDIA PHOTO

BREWSTER – Applications are still be accepted by the Town of Brewster for spots in the commercial razor clam pilot program.

The pilot program began in the town last year and ran through the end of September. With the upcoming season being the first full season of the program. The razor clam season beginning on April 1 and running through the end of 2019.

“Last year we were approached by some commercial harvesters who wanted to open up a commercial harvest for razor clams. We have a very good set, more than most other towns in the area,” said Director of Natural Resources Chris Miller.

“We had some concerns in that we don’t really know what’s out there, so we wanted to go forward as a pilot, take small steps and come up with a sustainable fishery that would be good for the habitat as well as the fishermen themselves.”

The program is limited to a total of 15 harvesters, with four spots added by the town this year for junior harvesters aged 16-20. The 11 participating fishermen will automatically be included this year.

The program’s effect on the fishery will be closely monitored to see if the program can be sustained without harming the razor clam population.

“We started that last summer and ran it through the fall. We came up with some good information. We want to continue that pilot so we have a full year worth of data and we’d like to come up with commercial regulations that we can use for a full harvest next year,” Miller said.

Registration for the program ends on Monday, March 25. Applications are available in the in the Select Board’s office. If all available spots are not filled by Monday, the registration period will extend into May.

By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center 

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