Mashpee Natural Resources

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Mashpee Natural Resources Our mission is to manage, monitor, protect and restore Mashpee's Waterways and Natural Resources.

We are looking for a Senior Administrative Assistant to join our team! Applications are available through the employment...
10/08/2026

We are looking for a Senior Administrative Assistant to join our team! Applications are available through the employment page on the town website.

Wait no further, the shellfish closure has been lifted for the rest of Mashpee (Popponesset Bay, Little River and Great ...
10/03/2026

Wait no further, the shellfish closure has been lifted for the rest of Mashpee (Popponesset Bay, Little River and Great River). These areas have been tested and approved by the Division of Marine Fisheries for shellfishing. Starting today 10/03/26, shellfishing may resume in these areas. NOTE: Some areas are conditionally closed or prohibited year round, which this opening does not apply to. Shellfishing in these areas remains prohibited. REMEMBER to check our website for regulations and shellfishing maps before heading out on the water, and happy harvesting!

We also would like to extend a thank you to Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries for the extensive work they have put into testing and opening areas. The recent storm brought on heavy rainfall that closed the entire state to shellfishing, and they have been working tirelessly to make sure areas open as soon as it is safe.

Good news Mashpee! Waquoit Bay proper (the main section of the bay, excluding Little and Great Rivers) has been tested a...
10/02/2026

Good news Mashpee! Waquoit Bay proper (the main section of the bay, excluding Little and Great Rivers) has been tested and approved to open for shellfishing by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Shellfishing may resume in this area ONLY as of today 10/02/26. Updates on the openings of our other waterways to come as the state continues testing.

PLEASE NOTE Popponesset Bay, Little River and Great River remain closed to shellfishing. All shellfishing in these areas is prohibited.

STORM UPDATE 09/27/26Barnstable County remains under multiple severe weather watches, including flood and high surf advi...
09/27/2026

STORM UPDATE
09/27/26

Barnstable County remains under multiple severe weather watches, including flood and high surf advisories through Sunday night. Overnight we received significant rainfall that is predicted to continue in bands through Monday. We ask that mariners remain in port until conditions improve and vessel owners check their vessels as conditions allow. Harbormaster personnel remain on duty and will continue to monitor Mashpee’s waterways and coastal areas as conditions allow. All Emergencies should be reported immediately by calling 911. Non-emergency related marine incidents can be reported to the Mashpee Police Department at 508-539-1480, who will notify harbormaster personnel.

REMINDER: we are still under a STATEWIDE SHELLFISH CLOSURE meaning all shellfishing is prohibited until we receive word otherwise. We will keep you updated as we hear more from the State.

SHELLFISH CLOSURE 09/26/26The Division of Marine Fisheries has issued an emergency shellfish closure as of 9/26/26 due t...
09/26/2026

SHELLFISH CLOSURE 09/26/26

The Division of Marine Fisheries has issued an emergency shellfish closure as of 9/26/26 due to heavy rainfall. All shellfishing is prohibited until further notice. For updates and more information on the closure and the storm please visit our website https://mashpeema.gov/1210/Natural-Resources.

Harbormaster Personell will remain on duty throughout the storm, monitoring local waterways and coastal areas. Hazardous winds and seas may limit the ability of personnel to safely respond on the water.
For emergencies, call 911. Non-emergency marine-related incidents or concerns should be reported to the Mashpee Police Department at 508-539-1480

TOWN OF MASHPEEDEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESHARBORMASTER DIVISIONSPECIAL MARINE WARNING #5Friday, September 25, 2026T...
09/25/2026

TOWN OF MASHPEE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
HARBORMASTER DIVISION

SPECIAL MARINE WARNING #5

Friday, September 25, 2026

The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources – Harbormaster Division is issuing Special Marine Warning #5 as a prolonged coastal storm begins to impact Cape Cod and the surrounding waters.

The National Weather Service has issued a Storm Warning for Nantucket and Vineyard Sounds, a High Wind Warning for Barnstable County, and a Coastal Flood Warning for Barnstable County. Conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout today, with the strongest winds and marine conditions expected tonight through Saturday.

MARINE CONDITIONS

Northeast winds are forecast at 25–30 knots today, with gusts increasing to 50 knots this afternoon. Tonight, winds increase to 30–35 knots with gusts up to 55 knots, with seas building to approximately 7–10 feet in Nantucket Sound. Hazardous marine conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.

Recreational boating is strongly discouraged. Mariners should remain in port during the strongest winds and seas and should not attempt to access or secure vessels once conditions become unsafe.

WIND, RAIN & COASTAL CONDITIONS

Wind gusts of 50–60 mph or greater are possible across portions of Cape Cod and the Islands tonight and Saturday.

Current guidance supports approximately 1–4 inches of storm-total rainfall, with the heaviest rain expected Saturday into Saturday night.

The prolonged northeast flow, large seas and repeated high-tide cycles are expected to produce coastal flooding and significant beach and shoreline erosion. Residents and boat owners should avoid exposed beaches, jetties, docks and waterfront areas during periods of high surf and strong winds.

SHELLFISH AREAS

Due to the potential for significant rainfall and runoff, the Department is evaluating the need for a temporary Town-wide closure of recreational shellfish areas.

No Town-wide closure is being announced at this time. A separate update regarding the status of Mashpee’s shellfish areas will be issued later today.

HARBORMASTER OPERATIONS

Harbormaster personnel will remain on duty throughout the storm and will monitor local waterways and coastal areas as conditions allow. Hazardous winds and seas may limit the ability of personnel to safely respond on the water.

For emergencies, call 911 (tel:911). Non-emergency marine-related incidents or concerns should be reported to the Mashpee Police Department at 508-539-1480.

The Department will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating with our public-safety partners throughout the storm.

TOWN OF MASHPEEDEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESHARBORMASTER DIVISIONSPECIAL MARINE WARNING #4Thursday, September 24, 202...
09/24/2026

TOWN OF MASHPEE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
HARBORMASTER DIVISION

SPECIAL MARINE WARNING #4

Thursday, September 24, 2026

The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources – Harbormaster Division is issuing Special Marine Warning #4 as confidence continues to increase in a prolonged coastal storm expected to bring strong winds, hazardous seas, heavy rainfall and coastal impacts to Cape Cod beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend.

Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound remain under a Gale Warning through early Friday morning, followed by a Storm Watch through Saturday evening.

The latest National Weather Service forecast calls for northeast winds increasing to 30–35 knots with gusts up to 50 knots Friday, with strong north to northeast winds continuing Friday night and Saturday. Seas in Nantucket Sound are forecast to build to approximately 6–9 feet, with significantly higher seas expected in the exposed waters surrounding Cape Cod and the Islands.

VESSEL AND MOORING PREPARATIONS

With the strongest conditions expected to begin Friday, the Harbormaster Division is advising all boat owners and mooring holders to complete remaining storm preparations today.

Vessel owners should make a final check of mooring pennants, shackles and attachment points; dock lines and chafe protection; bilge pumps and batteries; cockpit drains and scuppers; and secure or remove sails, canvas and other loose equipment.

Owners of smaller vessels or vessels in exposed locations should consider removing their vessel from the water if it can still be done safely.

As conditions deteriorate tonight and Friday, accessing vessels may become increasingly difficult or unsafe. Owners should avoid waiting until the strongest winds and seas arrive to address known problems with their vessel, dock or mooring.

COASTAL STORM UPDATE

In addition to the marine warnings, the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch, Coastal Flood Watch and High Surf Advisory for Barnstable County.

Strong winds are expected Friday through Saturday, with the potential for gusts around 50 mph or greater across portions of Cape Cod and the Islands. The prolonged northeast flow, high surf and large offshore seas may also result in coastal flooding and beach erosion, particularly around the Friday and Saturday high-tide cycles.

Rain will become increasingly widespread Friday and continue through the weekend. Current guidance supports the potential for 2–4 inches of rainfall across portions of eastern Massachusetts, with locally higher amounts possible. Exact rainfall totals for Mashpee will remain dependent upon the final track and evolution of the storm.

The Harbormaster Division strongly encourages recreational boaters to remain in port during the period of strongest winds and seas and to closely monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and warnings throughout the weekend.

Harbormaster personnel will remain on duty throughout the storm and will continue monitoring Mashpee’s waterways and coastal areas as conditions allow. All emergencies should be reported immediately by calling 911. Non-emergency marine-related incidents or concerns should be reported to the Mashpee Police Department at 508-539-1480, who will notify Harbormaster personnel as appropriate.

The Department will continue monitoring local conditions and coordinating with our public-safety partners throughout the duration of the storm.

Additional marine updates will be issued as conditions and forecasts warrant.

TOWN OF MASHPEEDEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESHARBORMASTER DIVISIONSPECIAL MARINE WARNING #3Wednesday, September 23, 20...
09/23/2026

TOWN OF MASHPEE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
HARBORMASTER DIVISION

SPECIAL MARINE WARNING #3

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources – Harbormaster Division is issuing Special Marine Warning #3 as the forecast for the developing coastal storm continues to evolve and confidence increases in a prolonged period of hazardous marine conditions through the end of the week and into the weekend.

The National Weather Service has now placed Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound under a Storm Watch from late Thursday night through Saturday evening, following the current Gale Warning. The Storm Watch includes the potential for north winds of 30–40 knots, gusts approaching 50 knots, and seas building to approximately 6–9 feet.

This represents an increase from yesterday’s forecast and indicates that hazardous marine conditions are now expected to continue well beyond the current Gale Warning.

BOAT OWNERS AND MOORING HOLDERS

With many recreational vessels still in the water, the Harbormaster Division is advising owners to complete necessary storm preparations before conditions further deteriorate.

Vessel owners should inspect mooring pennants, shackles and attachment points; check dock lines and chafe protection; secure or remove sails, canvas and loose equipment; verify bilge pumps and batteries are operating properly; and ensure cockpit drains and scuppers remain clear.

Owners of smaller vessels or vessels located on exposed moorings or docks should consider removing their vessels from the water if it can be done safely.

As winds and seas increase, accessing vessels may become difficult or unsafe. Boat owners should not wait until the strongest conditions arrive to address known problems with their vessel or mooring.

LATE-WEEK COASTAL STORM

Current forecasts indicate that a slow-moving coastal storm will affect the region Friday through the weekend. In addition to the marine conditions, current guidance supports the potential for more than 2 inches of rainfall across portions of eastern Massachusetts, along with strong coastal winds.

The prolonged northeast flow and large seas may also result in coastal erosion and periods of minor coastal flooding, particularly around the time of high tide. The exact magnitude of these impacts will depend on the eventual track and strength of the storm.

Boaters should continue to closely monitor updated forecasts and all watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Recreational boaters are strongly encouraged to carefully consider the forecast conditions before getting underway over the next several days.

The Harbormaster Division will continue monitoring local waterways and updated forecasts throughout the duration of this event.

Additional marine updates will be issued daily, or sooner if conditions or forecasts significantly change.

TOWN OF MASHPEEDEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESHARBORMASTER DIVISIONSPECIAL MARINE WARNING #2Tuesday, September 22, 2026...
09/22/2026

TOWN OF MASHPEE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
HARBORMASTER DIVISION

SPECIAL MARINE WARNING #2

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

The Mashpee Department of Natural Resources – Harbormaster Division is issuing Special Marine Warning #2 regarding the extended period of northeast winds and hazardous marine conditions expected to affect Cape Cod and the surrounding waters this week.

Since our initial notice, the National Weather Service has upgraded the marine forecast and issued a Gale Warning for Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, and Buzzards Bay beginning Wednesday morning and continuing through Thursday evening.

Current forecasts call for northeast winds generally 25–35 knots with gusts around 40 knots, with seas building to approximately 4–6 feet in Nantucket Sound. Strong northeast winds and unsettled marine conditions are expected to continue through much of the week, with the potential for stronger winds later in the week as the forecast continues to develop.

With a large number of recreational vessels still in the water, the Harbormaster Division is advising boat owners and mooring holders to take advantage of conditions today to check and secure their vessels before the Gale Warning takes effect Wednesday morning. Owners should avoid waiting until winds and seas increase to make preparations, particularly for vessels on exposed moorings or docks.

Boat owners should check mooring pennants and attachment points, dock lines, cleats and chafe protection; secure or remove loose equipment, canvas and sails; check bilge pumps and batteries; and ensure cockpit drains and scuppers are clear.

Owners of smaller vessels or vessels in more exposed locations should consider whether removing their vessel from the water is appropriate while conditions remain favorable.

Boaters planning to get underway over the next several days should closely monitor the marine forecast and use appropriate caution. Conditions on local waterways can deteriorate quickly as northeast winds increase, particularly in exposed portions of Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound.

The Harbormaster Division will continue monitoring local conditions and updated National Weather Service forecasts throughout the duration of this weather event.

Additional marine updates will be issued daily, or sooner if there is a significant change in the forecast.

09/21/2026

TOWN OF MASHPEE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
HARBORMASTER DIVISION

SPECIAL MARINE NOTICE

Potential Prolonged Northeast Storm Conditions – Boat Owners & Mooring Holders

September 21, 2026

The Mashpee Harbormaster Division is advising all boat owners and mooring holders to begin taking precautions now ahead of a prolonged period of strong northeast winds and deteriorating marine conditions expected across Cape Cod and the surrounding coastal waters this week.

The National Weather Service is forecasting increasing northeast winds and building seas beginning early this week. Conditions are expected to become increasingly hazardous Tuesday into Wednesday, with northeast winds potentially reaching 25–35 knots and gusts around 40 knots across portions of the local waters. Forecasters are also monitoring the potential development and track of a coastal low later in the week, which could prolong strong winds, rough seas and unsettled conditions.

While the exact track and strength of the late-week system remain uncertain, boat owners should not wait until conditions deteriorate to prepare their vessels.

For vessels remaining in the water, the Harbormaster Division strongly recommends that owners:

Check your vessel and mooring as soon as possible. Inspect pennants, shackles, chafe gear, cleats and other ground-tackle connections.
Consider removing your vessel from the water if it can be done safely, particularly smaller vessels or vessels in exposed locations.
Double up dock lines where appropriate and ensure adequate line length is available for changing water levels.
Protect against chafing. Lines working against chocks, cleats and fairleads can fail quickly during prolonged wind and wave action.
Properly position and secure fenders for vessels remaining at docks.
Remove or secure loose equipment, including canvas, cushions, sails, dinghies, paddleboards and other items that could become damaged or create additional wind load.
Check bilge pumps, batteries and charging systems and make sure cockpit drains and scuppers are clear.
Do not rely on last-minute preparations. Once winds and seas increase, accessing a vessel may become unsafe or impossible.

Owners of vessels on exposed moorings should pay particular attention to the forecast wind direction and the condition of their mooring system. Several days of persistent northeast winds can place significant and continuous strain on mooring tackle, pennants and attachment points.

The Harbormaster Division will continue to monitor the forecast and local waterways throughout the week. Additional information will be distributed if conditions warrant.

Do not put yourself or others at risk attempting to reach or secure a vessel after hazardous conditions have developed. Prepare early.

Boaters are encouraged to closely monitor updated forecasts and all watches, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service.

Address

31 Mercantile Way
Mashpee, MA
02649

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30am
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15085391410

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mashpee Natural Resources posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Mashpee Natural Resources:

Shortcuts

Share

Category