Edgartown selectmen set dates for the upcoming bay scallop season at their meeting Monday.

Family scalloping begins Oct. 1 in all areas; the limit is one 10-gallon level wash basket per week. No dragging will be allowed in Cape Pogue Pond until Nov. 1

The commercial season begins Nov. 4; the limit is three 10-gallon wash baskets per day, Monday through Friday.

All other standing rules and regulations remain in place.

Shellfish constable Paul Bagnall predicted a “lackluster,” year, coming off a banner year two years ago and a slump year last year.

“[Bay scallops] have a tendency to boom then bust,” Mr. Bagnall said. “Two years ago we had just over 10,000 bushels, last year just over five. This year if we can get to five I’ll feel lucky.”

Scalloping will end in March 2020. “Unless we are pleasantly surprised and find some scallops outside, like last year, then we will get an extension,” Mr. Bagnall said.

In other business Monday, the town energy committee approached selectmen to start a discussion on how to use the recently obtained municipal vulnerability preparedness (MVP) program grant, a state program.

“The idea of the MVP program is to support cities and towns as they build resilience to climate change,” committee chairman Alan Strahler said.

Selectmen lauded town conservation agent Jane Varkonda for her efforts in obtaining the grant.

“Today’s request is for town action,” Mr. Strahler said. “We have started a process . . . on the state level, to study the areas of vulnerability . . . and the possible impacts.”

He outlined areas for possible study, including saltwater intrusion in wells, ecosystem changes, salt marsh loss, challenges to fishing and agriculture, human health issues, increased cost of infrastructure and infrastructure maintenance and a potential decline in property values.

“We know that we are facing a climate crisis and action cannot wait,” Mr. Stahler said.

He said many groups on the Island, including the Island Climate Action Network (ICAN), are already beginning to draft approaches for mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.

Selectmen fielded questions around how the process will work, including staffing, now that a grant is secured.

“We have sort of a way forward. But to answer specifically, there is not one person. There is a group of people and there are town employees,” said selectman Arthur Smadbeck.

He said the fire chief, police chief, shellfish constable, planning board assistant, wastewater superintendent, harbor master, building inspector and library director would all be involved.

“They know their departments best and will be advising,” Ms. Varkonda said.