Dredging has begun at Herring Creek, the shallow run that connects Menemsha and Squibnocket Ponds, marking the final phase of a five-year project.

As Menemsha Channel is dredged for first time in decades, Chilmark and Aquinnah officials are protecting Menemsha Pond from increased boat traffic.

With a goal of cultivating one million oysters a year, Chilmark officials are expanding available aquaculture grants for Menemsha Pond.

Aquinnah and Chilmark selectmen are taking steps to reestablish the town line that runs through Menemsha Pond. Ice floes this winter wiped out four pilings in the pond, including two that marked the town line.

A project to rebuild the two jetties at Menemsha harbor is expected to begin in the next two weeks, while a more controversial project to dredge the channel to Menemsha Pond has been delayed until next fall.

Following the early closure of the scalloping season in Aquinnah, town officials and shellfish biologists are trying to understand the unexpected decline in the number of adult scallops this year. The season closed Nov. 15 in response to a lack of adult scallops; a black algae was also observed growing on many of the scallop shells.

Four new oyster farms could be coming soon to Menemsha Pond, which already hosts six aquaculture ventures.

The following letter was sent to the Army Corps of Engineers; the author is chairman of the Chilmark selectmen.

This is to express my concern about the proposed project of the Army Corps of Engineers to re-dredge the existing channel.

Funded by the Army Corps of Engineers, the project was intended to improve navigation in the channel. But Chilmark leaders said it will invite large yachts into the pond, putting shellfish at risk.