Edgartown Selectmen Approve New Oyster Farm In Middle Flats

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA—Edgartown selectmen have unanimously approved an aquaculture license for Liam Cosgrove, a Martha's Vineyard native, to farm oysters in the Middle Flats.

Most oystering in Edgartown takes place in Katama Bay. However, shellfish constable Paul Bagnall said Cosgrove had a year-round plan, approved by the shellfish committee in October, to oyster in the Middle Flats using slightly different gear and cages placed at the bottom of the water.

"These leases have actually been available for a few years, but the main reason nobody uses them is because of how exposed they are to the weather," Cosgrove told The Martha's Vineyard Times. "I'm hoping with this plan we have, we can grow oysters out there year-round. I'm just really excited to get out there and help filter Island waters."

At Monday's meeting, selectmen also approved the removal of a yellowwood shade tree at 14 Pent Lane due to its poor condition. The tree will be replaced with two other shade trees.