Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Truro are remote. Go to truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch. The agenda includes instructions on how to join.
Wednesday, Nov. 30
- Walsh Property Community Planning Committee, 6 p.m.
Conversation Starter
Port Report
Doreen Leggett, communications officer for the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, presented a report about commercial fishery ports across the state at the select board’s Nov. 15 meeting. The alliance partnered with the Mass. Div. of Marine Fisheries and UMass Boston’s Urban Harbors Institute on the report.
The report is based on surveys of harbormasters and fishermen, as well as state landings data, Leggett said. “It highlights both the important role that commercial fishing plays in the state’s economy, as well as access and infrastructure challenges that limit the industry’s current operation,” she said.
The report states that the top three species harvested by commercial fishermen in Truro are the sea scallop, striped bass, and lobster. Truro fishermen harvested 185,524 pounds in 2018, which produced $341,460 of income. Leggett said the latest numbers, from 2021, show that amount at $206,000 — probably the result of fishermen landing in other ports such as Provincetown.
Respondents in Truro indicated the need for moorings and expanded parking for boats. The town currently has 23 parking spaces at Pamet Harbor. Of the infrastructure listed in the report that would be dedicated specifically to commercial fishermen — moorings, slips, and broadside berthing — Truro has none. “There is a mooring waiting list for all boaters,” the report states.
“We don’t have a specific ask tonight,” Leggett told the select board. “It’s just important that we share the value of the ports with the community.” —Sophie Mann-Shafir
