Harwich harbor revenues are surging this fall, driven by a combination of fair weather and a significant spike in commercial tuna activity. During the October meeting of the Harwich Waterways Committee, members reviewed a monthly financial report showing robust performance at the town’s visitor docks and a notable increase in permit sales. The Chair remarked that despite the absence of Harbor Master John Abson, the financial outlook remains strong, noting that the visitor dock, because we had good weather and we had a lot of people coming for like long weekends and staying for the week, contributed heavily to the bottom line.

The committee highlighted a particular boost from commercial activity, with the Chair reporting that we sold a lot of tea permits because of the tuna, referencing the high volume of tier permits issued to fishermen. These figures are expected to remain elevated in the next reporting cycle. The board also addressed local questions regarding the cessation of ramp fee collections at the state ramp. One board member noted that collections stopped after Labor Day, which occurred earlier this year than in 2024. The Chair clarified that because it is a state-issued ramp, the town must follow state scheduling rather than local preference. We have to abide by what they want us to do with it. It’s not the town, the Chair explained.

The committee shifted its focus to environmental protections for the town’s freshwater resources, specifically regarding proposed boat rinsing regulations at Long Pond. The proposed rules would mandate that boaters clean and dry their vessels before launching to prevent the spread of invasive species and cross-contamination from saltwater environments. This initiative aligns with a broader watershed-first strategy seen across Harwich boards, especially as the town grapples with the fallout of a failing 2019 alum treatment at Hinckley’s Pond. Stephanie, representing the Harbor Master’s department, noted that a 30-day public comment period has drawn several emails in support of the update. She informed the board that a formal redline draft of the Harbor Management Plan's boat ramp section will be ready for review in November. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to carry the matter over to the next meeting. Motion Passed (Unanimous).

Resident Scott Norm spoke during public comment to emphasize the urgency of these regulations. As a water tester for the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Norm shared that he uses a vinegar spray to clean his canoe before moving between water bodies. I know the importance of cleaning off the canoes we use to go into the water when we go from one body to another, Norm said, adding that the issue is personal as Long Pond feeds directly into Hinckley’s Pond via Princess Creek. So I’m fully in support of doing the same thing for Long Pond. The committee agreed that while many boaters already follow these practices, codifying them into town regulations is necessary for long-term protection. Member Dan Casey was present for the discussion, and the committee noted that any formal vote would wait until Harbor Master Abson could attend.

In other business, the committee finalized administrative details for a dredging project at 31 Mill Road, known as Project SC 217. The update involved specific verbiage requested by the Harbor Master to ensure that dredge spoils are disposed of at approved facilities and that any use of town bulkheads or ramps is coordinated in advance. The Chair read the revised requirements into the record, noting that the Harbor Master and Natural Resources Director must be present during the pre-construction meeting. Ken, a committee member, supported the move to align the plans with the department's operational needs. Motion Made by [Unidentified Member] to accept the revised plans for Project SC 217 at 31 Mill Road. Motion Passed (Unanimous).

The meeting also served as a formal reorganization of the committee’s roster. Motion Made by [Chair] to accept the revised September minutes with the removal of Joseph Johnson and Jay Walpole from the membership list. Motion Passed (Unanimous).