Baker-Polito Administration Announces Agreement to Benefit Martha’s Vineyard Shellfishing Industry
 
Boston – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group (MVSG) have approved a long-term agreement authorizing MVSG to use DMF’s John T. Hughes Hatchery and Research Facility in Oak Bluffs to raise shellfish for transplant into shellfish beds in Martha’s Vineyard.

The 15-year lease agreement was authorized by legislation sponsored by State Senator Julian Cyr and State Representative Dylan Fernandes, and signed into law by Governor Baker on January 14, 2021.

The agreement clears the way for MVSG to continue using the Hughes Hatchery to spawn and culture shellfish for eventual transplant to harvestable shellfish beds throughout Martha’s Vineyard. With the long-term agreement in place, MVSG will make additional infrastructure investments, enabling the organization to ensure the continued and reliable production of shellfish in support of the Island’s public fisheries.