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Home My WebLink AboutShellfish survey 3.9.2026TABLE OF CONTENTS Item _______ ____ Attachment Shellfish Habitat Reconnaissance Report ................................................................................... 1 Shellfish Sampling Map ............................................................................................................... 3 Shellfish Survey Data Table ........................................................................................................ 4 Survey Photographs ................................................................................................................... 5 Map Attachments ........................................................................................................................ 6 USGS Locus Mass Mapper – Shellfish Growing Area Mass Mapper – Shellfish Suitability Area Mass Mapper – MA DEP Seagrass SHELLFISH HABITAT & EELGRASS RECONNAISSANCE REPORT Location of survey: 104-110 River Road, Yarmouth, MA Date: 3/9/2026 Time: 10:00-11:00 AM Tide: low tide 11:00 Water visibility: good to excellent Proposed project: Dock, gangway and float Waterbody: Bass River Job number: 2026-4 Site Description The site is located to the east of River Street along the western shore of Bass River. A single- family home exists at 110 River Street, while the lot at 104 River Street (just north of 110) is undeveloped. An easement exists adjacent to the property line between 104 and 110 River Street. There is an approximately 10-foot-high bulkhead that intercepts MLW at about elevation 1 foot. The sand substrate immediately below the bulkhead consists of a firm muddy sand then quickly changes to a softer, muddy sand bottom out to approximately – 4 feet. The bottom then slopes off quickly to a firm sand at 13’ MLW, 20 feet beyond the terminus of the proposed structure at 80 feet from the bulkhead, the limit of our reconnaissance. See Photographs #1 and #2 that show the survey area. Methods Three parallel 80 foot observational transects were made at the toe of the bulkhead and seaward. Transects were spaced 10 feet either side of the project centerline and on the centerline. The sediment was sampled for quahogs using a 12” wide lined basket rake while wading and with a lined bullrake beyond -3 feet MLW. One square foot samples were taken along each transect line spaced every 10 feet for a total of 27 samples. Additionally visual observations were made of the substrate for the detection of oysters, evidence of softshelled clams and any SAV’s. Findings Two American oysters (Crasstostrea virginica) were found attached to the bulkhead along the shore edge of the sample box (see Photograph #6). There was no evidence of soft shelled clams (Mya arenaria) found within the sample box. Only 4 quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria) were found in 25 valid samples. Two samples were null due to obstructions on the bottom. Seed, cherry stone and chowder grade quahogs were sampled indicative of low-level recruitment (see Photographs #3 and #4). No living or dead SAV (eelgrass or widgeon grass) was noted in the sampled area or anywhere within the observed area to the limits of the observations, but it should be noted that the survey was completed outside the eelgrass growing season. Summary While the habit at this locus appears suitable for both quahogs and subtidal soft shelled clams there has been no recent recruitment of those species at this locus. Additionally, there is very little evidence of recent quahog recruitment. Current shellfish productivity at this locus is very low, perhaps due to the current regime or from recent harvest pressure, as it is very close to a public access point. Recommended Protection Measures Regardless of the minimal shellfish habitat at the site, installation of the pier, ramp, and float at the site would have only temporary minor impacts. The proposed pier, ramp, and float system should be designed in accordance with MassDEP’s Guide to Permitting Small Pile-Support Docks and Piers (November 2003) to the maximum extent possible. If necessary, time of year restrictions will be set by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to restrict activities during fish passage periods and shellfish and finfish spawning periods. The placement of the ramp and float will be seasonal only. Installation of the pier should also be performed using protective measures such as: • Limit the pier length and width while maintaining safe water depths and access; • Provide spacing between deck planking (3/4” plank spacing) or utilize grated/slotted decking to allow for sunlight penetration; • Provide adequate height above the high-water mark, the float should be a least two feet from the bottom to avoid impacts to shellfish habitat; • Allowing public access under or over the proposed structure; and • Storing the temporary ramp & float in an upland location during the offseason. The following conditions could also be included with this project to ensure protection of shellfish at the site such as: • Coordination of proposed activity with the Yarmouth Conservation Commission & Natural Resources • Prior to work, the shellfish within the project area could be harvested and/or collected and transplanted at the direction of the Town of Hingham Shellfish Constable. Sample # Transect A (south) Transect B (centerline) Transect C (north)Notes 0 O O bulkhead 1 2 SQ CSQ 3 Null CQ, LNQ 4 5 6 end of proposed float (55') 7 8 Null limit of sampling (80' Bulkhead) Sample # Transect A (south) Transect B (centerline) Transect C (north)Notes 0 sand muddy sand muddy sand bulkhead 1 muddy sand muddy sand muddy sand 2 muddy sand muddy sand muddy sand 3 concrete muddy sand muddy sand 4 muddy sand muddy sand muddy sand 5 muddy sand muddy sand muddy sand 6 muddy sand muddy sand muddy sand end of proposed float (55') 7 muddy sand sand sand 8 firm sand firm sand rock limit of sampling (80' Bulkhead) LNQ=littleneck quahog CSQ= cherrystone quahog CQ=chowder quahog Key Shellfish Stock Sediment O=oyster SQ= seed quahog 104-110 River Street, Yarmouth Survey Photographs Photograph #1 – View south along the bulkhead and survey area. Photograph #2 – View east across the survey area. 104-110 River Street, Yarmouth Survey Photographs Photograph #3 – View of a seed sized Quahog found within the survey area. Photograph #4 – View of cherrystone and chowder sized Quahogs found within the survey area. 104-110 River Street, Yarmouth Survey Photographs Photograph #5 – View of the survey underway. The deeper water was surveyed by boar using an extended bullrake. Photograph #6 – View of an Oyster found along the toe of the bulkhead. USGS LOCUS MAP 104 & 110 River Street Yarmouth, Massachusetts Source: USGS Topographic Quadrangle Images N ∆ SITE SHELLFISH GROWING AREA MAP 104 & 110 River Street Yarmouth, Massachusetts Source: MassMapper – Shellfish Growing Areas SITE SHELLFISH SUITABILITY MAP 104 & 110 River Street Yarmouth, Massachusetts Source: MassMapper – Shellfish Suitability Areas SITE MA DEP SEAGRASS MAP 104-110 River Street Yarmouth, Massachusetts Source: MassDEP Eelgrass Mapping Project SITE