Aquacultureon Martha’s Vineyard

“Us vs. Them” Conflicts that Shaped the Industry

Rick KarneyMartha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group

Geographic isolation creates “Island vs Off- Island” attitude

Local control and 6 Towns leads to “Town vs Town” conflicts

Resolution: Aquaculture operations are small and local and limited to 3 of the 6 towns

Private Aquaculture vs the Wild Fishery

Historically,

• Strong tradition of the public common• Few private leases

- In the 1950’s, privately managed oyster bedstaken back and “returned to the public”

- In the 1960’s private aquaculture proponentsforced to move Off-Island to pursue venture

Resolution: “Public Aquaculture”- In the 1970’s Towns beginhatchery seeding to enhance wild stocks

Private Aquaculture vs the Wild Fishery

Resolution: In 1995, the Martha’s Vineyard “Private Aquaculture Initiative”retrained displaced fishermen in shellfish aquaculture - aquaculture leases available only to local fishermen; who “evolve” into oyster farmers

Tidal- Powered Nurseries

Rack & BagGrow-out

Oyster Farmers vs the Predators

FLUPSY

Tidal- Powered FLUPSY

Rack & BagGrow-out

Grow-out inSuspended Trays

Oyster Farmers vs Biofouling

Resolution: Pressure-treated lumber, bottom paints

Resolution: Air drying; brine dips

Resolution:Tumbling

Resolution: Floating bags

Oyster Farmers vs Waterfront Homeowners

Resolution:

- Be a goodneighbor

And…..

A public relations campaign !!!

“Taste of the Vineyard”Raw bar

Media

Brochures

Exhibits

Bumper stickers

Permitted Sites

AT L ANT I C OCEAN

V I N E Y A R D

S O U N D

B L O C K I S L A N D

M A R T H A ’ S

V I N E Y A R D

C A P E C O D

M AR I

SWF

Jack Cook, WHOI Graphics Dept.

Aquaculture vs Regulators

Resolution: Political pressure? Legislation? Education of regulators?Other ???

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