Mashpee Natural Resources

04/28/2026

The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources has remained busy over the past several weeks as personnel continue preparing our waterways for the active boating season.

Our team has been hard at work removing hazardous debris from local waterways, recovering abandoned materials, and installing seasonal Aids to Navigation (ATONs) throughout Mashpee waters to help ensure safe navigation for all mariners.

While boating season is quickly approaching, water temperatures remain dangerously cold. Cold water immersion can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes, even on warm spring days. We strongly urge all mariners placing vessels in the water this time of year to ensure they have all required safety equipment onboard, including properly fitted life jackets, communication devices, and emergency gear.

Beginning this weekend, Mashpee DNR patrol personnel will be on duty 7 days a week to assist the boating public, respond to emergencies, and help keep our waterways safe.

If you need assistance on the water, contact Mashpee DNR on VHF Channel 16 or 09, or through Mashpee Police Dispatch at 508-539-1480 ext. 0. In an emergency, always call 911.

Stay safe, boat prepared, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the water.

04/09/2026

Yesterday, the Mashpee Department of Natural Resources attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Career Fair to recruit for Seasonal Assistant Harbormasters and Seasonal Shellfish Technicians.

Our department has a strong track record of hiring personnel from the Academy, with many going on to successful careers in the maritime and public safety fields.

We take pride in providing hands-on experience that helps lay the foundation for college students pursuing careers on the water.

We look forward to continuing to build relationships with the next generation of maritime professionals.

04/02/2026

This past week, the Mashpee Department of Natural Resources hosted a Boat Operator Search and Rescue (BOSAR) training, bringing together regional public safety partners for hands-on maritime emergency response training.

Instructors from the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast New England and Station Chatham led participants through a wide range of critical evolutions, including search patterns, man overboard recovery, towing operations, and more.

The training concluded today, Thursday, with full-scale marine emergency scenarios involving simulated boat fires and vessel accidents. These realistic drills are designed to mirror the types of incidents our agencies may respond to — and have responded to — on our local waters.

Participating agencies included Mashpee DNR, Mashpee Fire Rescue, Falmouth Police Department, and Falmouth Harbormaster.

This training was invaluable for all involved and further strengthens our collective ability to respond effectively to maritime emergencies. Maintaining a high level of readiness and coordination remains a top priority as we continue to serve and protect our community on the water.

Mashpee Fire Department
Falmouth Police Department
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England

03/24/2026

The Department is currently accepting applications for both Assistant Harbormaster’s and Assistant Shellfish Technicians.

If you are looking to work on the water in a public safety field or looking to get into the shellfish management field, these are great opportunities!

Please contact the Human Resources Department with any questions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (please read carefully)A fully completed original signed employment application ("see resume" is not acceptable in any field) must be submitted to the Human Resources Department. Applications must be received or postmarked by the closing date to receive consideration.

03/17/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: OYSTER FISHERY REOPENED

The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the oyster fishery at Mashpee Neck Landing has officially reopened to the public.

The area had been temporarily closed due to a recent incident and associated safety concerns. Following assessment and necessary actions, the site is now deemed safe and accessible for harvest.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during the closure. As always, harvesters are reminded to follow all applicable regulations and prioritize safety while on the water and at the landing.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Mashpee Department of Natural Resources at 508-539-1410.

03/11/2026

DNR Crews Continue Removing Storm and Ice Debris from Local Waters

Following the dramatically cold winter and impacts from the Blizzard of 2026, the Mashpee Department of Natural Resources continues to respond to numerous calls for service involving debris and hazards to navigation throughout our waterways.

On Tuesday, DNR personnel conducted response operations in Popponesset Bay where several hazards to navigation were removed. Crews also secured and removed multiple docks that had broken free and were pushed onto nearby salt marshes due to winter ice and storm activity. These docks were removed to prevent environmental damage and reduce hazards to vessels and nearby waterfront infrastructure.

Our Department will continue monitoring conditions and responding to reports of debris to ensure safe navigation throughout Mashpee waters.

The public is also reminded that the oyster fishery at Mashpee Neck Landing will remain closed until at least next week pending an ongoing incident at the ramp. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

We appreciate the public’s patience as crews continue working to keep our waterways safe.

Town of Mashpee
Mashpee Police Department
Mashpee Fire Department
Mashpee TV

03/11/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE - OYSTER FISHERY AT MASHPEE NECK LANDING CLOSED

The public oyster fishery at the Mashpee Neck boat ramp is closed until further notice. Please continue to monitor this page as well as the DNR webpage on the Town of Mashpee website for future updates.

03/07/2026

Eyes in the sky over Popponesset Bay this week.

Following a harsh winter and several powerful storms across Cape Cod, the Mashpee Department of Natural Resources deployed a drone to assess the Town’s municipal shellfish farm in Popponesset Bay.

We’re happy to report that our Shellfish Division observed minimal damage to the Town’s fishery and shellfish gear, despite the challenging winter conditions.

During the flight, personnel also evaluated nearby navigational channels and surrounding waters to assess any potential storm-related impacts.

As we move toward the spring boating season, the Harbormaster Division will begin deploying seasonal aids to navigation throughout Mashpee’s coastal waterways in the coming weeks to help ensure safe navigation for the boating public.

Town of Mashpee
Mashpee Police Department
Mashpee Fire Department
Mashpee TV

02/27/2026

Public Notice – Oyster Harvest Limit & Access Update

Effective Sunday, March 1, the daily harvest limit for oysters will increase from one (1) peck to two (2) pecks per person for the month of March, or for the remainder of the season.

The Seconsett Island Causeway is currently closed due to storm-related damage to the access cage and unsafe site conditions. For public safety reasons, harvesters are advised not to attempt access to this area until repairs are completed and the site is deemed safe.

Mashpee Neck Landing remains open and accessible at this time.

Please use caution when accessing shoreline areas and be mindful of changing ground conditions following recent storm activity.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and commitment to safety.

02/23/2026

Blizzard Storm Operations - Update:

DNR personnel have been out conducting snow plow operations in conjunction with the DPW since very early this morning. Travel remains extremely hazardous. Please continue to stay off the roads to allow our plow crews to operate safely and effectively.

Please continue to utilize 911 for emergencies only. Stay safe - thank you to Natural Resource Officers T. Grady and C. Lucier for helping to keep Mashpee roadways safe and accessible to our emergency service partners Mashpee Police Department and Mashpee Fire Department.

02/21/2026

DNR remains staffed and ready to assist our public safety partners ahead of tomorrow’s storm. Please remember to check on your elderly neighbors and stay off the roads to allow our plow crews to work safely and swiftly. As always, call if you need us!