Town won't consider new aquaculture applications for 90 days
The Town won't consider any new aquaculture applications or transfers for the next 90 days, with the expectation the federal government will soon make a final determination if the current aquaculture areas will continue to be authorized. Pending application and transfer requests will be considered if filed before tonight's moratorium.
Harbormaster Chad Hunter told the Board of Selectmen that if the FDA re-classifies a portion of the aquaculture areas it might be necessary to reconfigure the current licenses.
The Board of Selectmen approved the moratorium by a vote of 3-1.
Growers will still have the ability to plant seed, cull, move gear and sell, according to the Harbormaster. The FDA, which regulates seafood, is considering a crackdown of aquaculture near water treatment plant outflow pipes, like the Plymouth outfall pipe.