Striped bass, alewives (also known as herring), black sea bass and squid have arrived for an early start to the fishing season. Striped bass have been seen and caught in hot pursuit of herring swimming into local coastal ponds.
Edgartown selectmen this week granted an aquaculture license to Jeremy Scheffer to grow oysters on a one-acre space in Katama Bay. The bottom grant marked the 11th of 12 licenses that the town can give out to shellfishermen.
Shellfish constable Paul Bagnell said the shellfish committee had approved Mr. Scheffer’s request, and he remarked that a growing family of oyster farmers on the bay are working well together.
In an effort to cut down on the accidental harvesting of river herring and other fish, local fishing authorities ruled this week that all fishing boats targeting Atlantic herring must have impartial observers onboard and will be required to file more detailed reports of their activities. The program will take effect beginning next year.
