Westport panel backs oyster restoration plan

Other Committee · Meeting of August 25, 2026

WESTPORT — The Westport Landing Commission unanimously endorsed a river-wide oyster restoration project staging shell at the town landing. Deputy Harbormaster and Shellfish Constable Rick Smith and Nature Conservancy Coastal Project Manager Dan Goulart said the Conservation Commission had approved the project's notice of intent within 24 hours of the meeting, and the Select Board had approved the town's signature the night before. The plan moves roughly 2,500 cubic yards of cleaned clam shell by barge and conveyor to six restoration sites in the river's east branch over two weeks next spring, aiming for a million oysters a year within three to four years and 60 acres of habitat within 10 to 15 years.

"Our mission is to rebuild the beds and at the same time reap the benefit of an oyster fishery back in the river," Smith said. One commissioner questioned why the item wasn't on the posted agenda; the commission approved the endorsement anyway after Westport Point resident Dorothy Paul spoke in favor. Commissioners separately approved July 21 minutes, 3-0 with one abstention.

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Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.