Reshelling program scheduled to begin in early November

The 6.3 million dollar reshelling program funded through the federal fishery disaster funds of should start in early November.

County Administrative Director Alan Pierce said they expect about 300 oystermen will take part in the program which will require that the participants be split in to two groups.

Each group will be able to shell two days a week.

The payment for participation will be $125 per day and that will require 2 trips in one day.

At this time the areas to be shelled are: Cat Point, East Hole, and some summer bar areas.

In order to participate oystermen have to prove that 80% of their income came off the bay, and have a valid seafood harvester’s license.

County commissioners said they are glad that more people are being allowed to participate in the program, but did raise concerns that none of the shelling is planned for the western end of the Bay.

Commissioners said they would like to see shelling in the future include the western side of the bay, especially dry bar which is one of the most important spat producing areas for the west end. 

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