Nicholas Brown 31 Bennett Rd Wolfeboro NH 03894 603-856-5454 Nick4634@gmail.com Application submitted 8-12-2017 Description of proposed project A. General Methodology The site located approximately 600 ft south of Fat Dog Shellfish Company LLC s pending lease will be used for growing Eastern oysters. After buying oyster seed from a local approved source, the seed will be placed in mesh bags in cages to be grown to at least 1.5 before being scattered on bottom within approved site. B. Type of Aquaculture The two types of growing methods will be bottom culture and use of oyster cages or condos with mesh bags inside. These cages will be set in rows clipped to long lines with buoys marking the ends. The cages will be fully submerged at mean low tide. The gear will be tended from a small boat using mostly manual labor. C. Location and description of site The 4.5 acre site is located within the current shell fishing area in Little Bay, Durham, NH. Coordinates NW point : 43.106438-70.864572 SW point : 43.104870-70.864594 SE point : 43.104887-70.863307 NE point : 43.106441-70.863288
D. Site Specific Information 1) Tidal information The site is mostly level ranging in depth from 1-2 ft MLW across most of the area and dropping off into deeper water ( 10+ ft MLW) along the eastern boundary. The soil type would be a muddy sandy mix with occasional rocks and gravel. The current runs north to south at steady speed between tides. 2) Proximity to natural resources I researched the area by boat and foot at different tide heights and used sonar for the deeper areas to check sediment type. I was able to observe 90% of area visually and noticed no eel grass or other vegetation. 3) Characterization of sediment type The substrate is mud that is covered by a fine layer of sand. There are some rocks scattered throughout. 4) Recreational or commercial activities The proposed site is outside of any navigational channel and is impassable by any motor vessels at low tide. There is only one other shell fish operation nearby and they are at least 600 ft away.
5) Navigational aspects There are no moorings within the proposed area and the area does not block any land owners access to the channel. The site will be clearly marked as well to warn boaters of the area. E. Type size and configuration of gear Two methods of growing will be utilized ~Bags and cages that will be placed on bottom and will house oysters up until they reach approximately 1.5 Cages will be placed in rows connected by a main line that will have marker buoys at each end ~Bottom planting oysters once they reach 1.5 and are less susceptible to predators. F. Source of organisms to be used for project Initially oyster seed will be purchased from local growers after it is big enough to be taken from an upweller and put in bags. Eventually our goal is to set up our own upweller and buy directly from approved NH hatcheries. Virgin Oyster Company Fat Dog Shellfish Company G. Disposition of shellfish at various stages of the project Oysters will be grown in bags and cages as well as spread on sea floor.(edit:spread on the bottom of the permitted area) H. List of any chemical or other methods of control or treatment to be used during this project No chemicals will be used at any stage of project I. Restricted uses proposed by the project No harvesting of cultured shellfish by others within the area of the approved site. Site will be clearly marked. J. Permission of owner to exercise littoral rights: NA K. List of agencies to whom complete copies of application will be sent: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department 2 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03301 Shellfish Program New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Attn: Chris Nash 222 International Drive suite 175 Wetlands Bureau New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Attn: Dori Wiggin 222 International Drive suite 175 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District Attn: David Keddell 696 Virginia Rd. Concord, MA 01742 Food Protection Division of Public Health Services New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Attn: Deborah Scoville 29 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03301 New Hampshire Fish and Game Marine Fisheries Division 225 Maine Street Durham, NH 03824 New Hampshire State Port Authority Attn: Geno Marconi 55 International Drive US Coast Guard Attn: Station Commander 25 Wentworth Road New Castle, NH 03854 L. List of Abutters 15-0 MILLER TRUST, REGIS C 283 DURHAM POINT ROAD DURHAM, NH 03824 12-1 12-3 M. Benefits of proposed activities Oysters are filter feeders that clean the water and feed at the same time. Great Bay and Little Bay used to have large reefs that have vanished for many reasons and restoring these beds can have a significant (edit:positive) impact on water quality. There is also an economic benefit to the growing of shellfish. I come from a commercial fishing background and of all the ocean species commercially targeted and methods of
harvesting them, I truly believe shellfish growing is one of the(edit: is one of the most sustainable fisheries that will greatly improve the natural environment and local economy) best for the environment and local economy.