1.4 Acre Shellfish Farm Proposed in Island Park Cove

Russell Sousa is hoping to get approval from the state Coastal Resources Management Council for a 1.4 acre shellfish farm north of Spectacle Island in Island Park Cove.

The application on file by the CRMC is a modified from a previous application and the farm is now farther off Spectacle Island.

The operational plan, however, is relatively unchanged, with Sousa, a Portsmouth resident, proposing 13 rows each containing 8 cages for growing oysters. The farm would occupy a total of 60,000 square feet of space.

The site is located 100 feet off the shoreline of Spectacle Island, 470 feet from the shoreline of The Hummocks and 700 feet from Dave McGhie’s existing farm.

Russell, in his application, notes his proposed farm is “tucked in out of boat traffic” and “on the side least travelled by recreational users.”

The CRMC is accepting public comment on the plan. People wishing to be heard must write the CRMC at 4808 Tower Hill Road, Suite 116, Wakefield RI 02879.

Include your mailing address, e-mail address and a valid contact number.