Friends of Barnstable Harbor
Barnstable Harbor is one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful and sensitive eco-systems. Surrounded by the towns of Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth & Dennis, it is the Town of Barnstable’s only north side harbor and its only direct access to Cape Cod Bay. It has a long history of commercial & recreational fishing, packet boat transportation, whaling (now whale watching), shellfish farming and marine recreation. Barnstable Harbor has been a major tourist destination along the historic Old King’s Highway/Route 6A for many years.
Friends of Barnstable Harbor is dedicated to the preservation and protection of this rare and wonderful asset. Our goal is to provide stewardship for the immediate and long-term welfare, upkeep and enhancement of a unique mid-cape resource.
Your Tax Deductible Donation Supports Our Projects
Latest News
Our Work
Finfish Shellfish Survey
This year long project is underway. It will use a variety of traps, seines, and drags to capture the critters residing in the harbor. Coupled with our Benthic Habitat Study, this survey will provide important scientific data for a baseline from which to measure changes in the harbor over time.
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Benthic Habitat Mapping
The BHM study was completed in 2023 and will provide data for the Finfish Shellfish Survey to build upon. The combination of the two projects will result in a complete “snapshot in time” of Barnstable Harbor.
Stories & Legends of Barnstable Harbor
Visit this page to read about some of the characters and the history of Barnstable Harbor.
Sandy Neck Lighthouse & Lighthouse Keepers Dwelling
Local writer Ken Morton’s book details the history of Barnstable Harbor’s iconic lighthouse.
Our Mission
Friends of Barnstable Harbor is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization whose mission is uniting the harbor community in the preservation and protection of Barnstable Harbor, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the bounty and beauty of its waters, marshes, and beaches.
Working Waterfront/ Blue Economy
- Marinas
- Marine Repair Shops
- Aquaculture Farms
- Fishing Charter Boats
- Whale Watch
The Harbor Community
- Boaters of all ages
- Swimmers & Sunbathers
- Recreation Shellfishing
- Homeowners
- Non-Marine Businesses
- Barnstable Yacht Club
Friends of Barnstable Harbor recognizes and respects the many and varied interests of the harbor community.
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