Barnstable County has stepped in to rescue its stranded commercial fishing industry and restore vital emergency access routes. It has also approved $50,000 for emergency ice removal in harbours paralyzed by a severe deep freeze.
Barnstable County approves $50,000 for emergency ice removal
According to Cape Cod Chronice, sustained arctic temperatures and relentless winter weather have brought local harbours to a standstill.
Harbormaster John Harker reported that ice has locked down the commercial fishing fleet for weeks. It also damaged dock infrastructure and blocked emergency vessels from responding to crises across the Cape.
“it’s a public safety issue and an economic crisis. Harbormasters across the region are unable to launch emergency vessels to provide assistance. The ice has us pinned in,” Harker said.
The Barnstable County Commissioners in February approved an ordinance releasing $50,000 to hire a private tugboat service to break the ice. The Assembly of Delegates ratified the decision in an emergency session the following day.
The move follows weeks of frantic efforts by local harbormasters and the Cape Cod Fishermen’s Alliance to assess the damage and find a solution. Harker noted that approximately 20 commercial vessels remain trapped by ice on the east side of Saquatucket Harbor alone.
The county’s own dredge sits immobilized in Sesuit Harbor in Dennis. It also threatens to delay crucial projects before state-imposed fish spawning closures take effect.
Frozen harbors strand the fishing fleet
While local officials sought financial aid from the state, Cape and Islands Senator Julian Cyr, along with State Representatives Hadley Luddy and Kip A. Diggs, could not immediately secure funding. However, Harker confirmed the legislators are actively working on waivers to bypass seasonal work restrictions.
Ken Cirillo, Barnstable County Dredge Director, told commissioners that ice-bound harbours are a rare occurrence. Cirillo also noted that the consequences for commercial fishing, aquaculture, and infrastructure are severe.
In the meantime, the U.S. Coast Guard has deployed two ice-breaking vessels to the area. The larger vessel is focused on clearing ferry routes in Nantucket Sound.
Additionally, the smaller cutter has already made passes through Saquatucket and Wychmere Harbours. Harker also noted the smaller vessel has pushed water temperatures to a frigid 28 degrees.
Harker praised his team’s proactive efforts, running 48 de-icing pumps continuously for over a month to protect more than 200 slips.
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