Working Waters Made Clear: New beach signs explain local aquaculture

Visitors to some beaches and town landings around the Cape this fall might encounter a beautiful and informative new sign at their favorite spot.

WHOI Sea Grant and Barnstable County's Cape Cod Cooperative Extension have been working with towns across the Cape to help educate the public about what aquaculture is and how to be safe around shellfish farms.

Aquaculture is an important and growing industry in Massachusetts worth more than $30 million per year. The fresh clams and oysters grown by Cape Cod shellfish farmers is a boon to area restaurants and their diners and a source of pride to locals.

The new signs explain that shellfish farms are located in tidal lands are leased from the towns and that they are marked with a buoy (frequently a yellow one). It also illustrates the gear used in growing clams and oysters and advises visitors about how to respect the farmers' time, product, and gear. Importantly, it lets them know, if dogs are allowed at the beach, to keep them on a leash and away from the shellfish lease.

"The idea for the signs and their design came from years of conversation and reviewing drafts with shellfish farmers and shellfish constables" says says extension agent Abigail Archer, who worked with WHOI Sea Grant educator Grace Simpkins and artists at WHOI to create the signs. "The goal is to provide visitors and residents with consistent information about shellfish farms across the Cape." 

The signs are provided free of charge to the towns as part of this Sea Grant-funded project. Learn more on our website.