Finfish Shellfish Study - Friends of Barnstable Harbor

The Finfish Shellfish Study

Center for Coastal Studies‘ Owen Nichols and his team will collect an inventory of finfish and shellfish from Barnstable Harbor, with a focus on commercially and recreationally important species. Intertidal and subtidal fish and invertebrate sampling will be conducted for a yearlong period. Sampling methods will include beach seines, trawls, dredges, ventless lobster traps, passive collectors, and gillnets.

Upon completion of the entire project, we will have an image of our harbor’s health, as well as be able to identify specific areas of concern. The utilization of drone technology and/or re-sampling will enable us to document and understand trends in our harbor system.The Center for Coastal Studies projects the cost for the Finfish Shellfish Study to be $80,000. Data collection for mapping and benthic samples were completed in September 2018. Sorting, counting and documentation of benthic samples is almost complete.

The FF-SFS is on hold due to fund-raising shortcomings in the face of Covid 19. The $80K project will remain on hold for the foreseeable future.

Your tax-deductible contribution to the Seafloor & Habitat Mapping Project/ Finfish-Shellfish Study will help to preserve and protect Barnstable Harbor. The resulting snapshot will be instrumental for guaranteeing that future generations will experience the same magnificent Barnstable Harbor that we enjoy, and that has been an economic and recreational centerpiece of Cape Cod’s north side for hundreds of years.

Friends of Barnstable Harbor is a 501c3 public charity non-profit corporation