Shellfishing – Lecture by Renee Gagne

Gagne’s talk will focus on the importance of shellfish to Chatham: historically, culturally, and economically (both for commercial and recreational harvesters). She will also discuss the mission of the propagation program, which is meant to create a sustainable shellfishery for the future.

Gagne move to Chatham in 1983 after graduating with a BA from the University of NH, just for the summer. Needless to say, she never left.  She began working in the fisheries after answering an ad in the Chronicle for scallop shuckers. Gagne eventually began fishing on a longline/handline boat.  After satisfying the yearlong residency requirement, I also received my commercial shellfish permit and began shellfishing when not fishing.  By the early 1990’s, fishing was getting less lucrative, and clamming, especially on Monomoy Island, became very prosperous, she opted to shellfish full time.  With constant questioning from my non-fishing family and friends in NH, she entered the Masters of Marine Affairs Program at the University of Rhodes Island in the mid 1990’s.  However, Gagne still could not quit shellfishing.  After putting herself through graduate school with clam money, she returned full time to shellfishing and supplemented income as a research consultant and off-shore fishing technician.   She held a seat on the Shellfish Advisory Committee for over 10 years and served as chair for a number of those years. Eventually she would land her dream job as the Shellfish Constable of Chatham.  She is both grateful and honored to serve such a role in the community.

Tickets are available at the door.  Doors open at 1:15 pm and seating is limited.
Admission: $10, Members are Free.