BARS March 2018 Meeting

We have two special presenters for our March 6th meeting, long-time member Kris Clark and a representative from the R. A.  Ribb Company, Inc. of Harwich.

Kris’s presentation is titled Shellfishing in Barnstable, a look at three types of shellfishing: commercial, recreational, and aquaculture, with historical references to give perspective on how this industry has grown. Kris will also talk about water quality which is what enables us to enjoy shellfish harvesting safely in our town.

Kris Clark grew up in Chicopee, Massachusetts and studied at Springfield College, majoring in environmental ttudies with a minor in economics. After college she spent time on Cape Cod as a waitress before working for Aquacultural Research Corporation, the state’s only shellfish hatchery at that time. After 6 years at ARC and another year at a scallop hatchery on Martha’s Vineyard, she was employed with the Town of Barnstable for 14 years as the Shellfish Propagation Technician. A unique opportunity emerged when she beat out over 60 candidates to become the Shellfish Farm Manager for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, initiating a commercial shellfish farm for the tribe. After 7 years there, she left and now works as part-time shellfish farm assistant with retired husband, Lenny (also in photo above), for Beach Point Oysters in Barnstable Harbor, operated by Mark Begley of West Barnstable.

The R. A. Ribb Company is housed in an old blacksmith shop at the end of a cul-de-sac, a stone’s throw from the Highway 6 Harwich/Chatham exit. The shop, which has expanded in size to accommodate massive, antique rake making machines over the years, has been the home to the Ribb Company since 1978. The R. A. Ribb Company makes all kinds of rakes for commercial and recreational shellfishing, and a number will be on display at the meeting. There are a couple of excellent articles about the company: Family keeps Ribb rake business thriving by Doug Fraser for the Cape Cod Times and R.A. Ribb Company: Pride & Purpose by Tom Dott for Edible Cape Cod. The speaker will be giving pointers on shellfishing and the use of rakes. The above photo shows Greta Ribb welding a new shellfishing rake. Click here to view the R. A. Ribb Company website.

A meet and greet reception will follow the presentation. New members will be able to meet the founders of BARS and returning members. Committee Chairs will be available to explain our Activities and Events planned for 2018 and new members are encouraged to volunteer. Refreshments will be served. New members will receive a gift from BARS to welcome them to our organization.

Please make an effort to attend this welcoming and informative meeting. And don’t forget Town of Barnstable Shellfishing licenses need to be renewed by March 1st. And those who have boats on town moorings, your mooring permit application is due by February 28th.

The last day of oyster season in Barnstable is March 7th!