On April 16, the Marion Marine Resources Commission met to discuss various facets of harbor management for the FY26 budget.
The commission spoke on a new patrol boat for the Harbormaster Department, currently located in Washington state undergoing sea trials. Harbormaster Adam Murphy said he would fly out the following Wednesday, and if everything looks good, the boat will be shipped cross-country the week after, saying “we should see it the second week in May.” The current patrol boat will become surplus to be sold off, seeing its revenue added to the town’s “free cash” General Fund.
For harbor management, Bird Island had its floats installed and gangway repaired. Murphy said the current float was “pretty much trash” and they would add plywood to it to make it through this summer, though it will need to be replaced for next year. Mass Wildlife has created new sheds for birdhouses, which were also delivered by barge. The harbormaster wanted everything in place before the arrival of birds.
Murphy said they were not successful in capital funding this year, having not received a forklift nor funds to build a new dock at Old Landing. He added there is not enough funds in the current budget to install a float either, stating the “deterioration is pretty bad” and the town would have to close it due to it being unsafe for use. It was clarified that the money for a forklift and the Old Landing float replacement is in the newest version of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, to be voted upon on May 12.
Speaking on shell fishing permits, the harbormaster said the number of applicants and funds has “fallen off.” He cited an aging population as a possibility.
The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resources Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Maritime Center Conference Room.
Marion Marine Resources Commission
By Sam Bishop