A proposal that could reshape access to Scituate Harbor’s limited commercial mooring sparked pointed debate this week, as town officials also approved a multi-year plan to raise harbor fees to support aging waterfront infrastructure.
According to a report by South Shore News, State Rep. Patrick Kearney (D-Plymouth) presented a citizen petition to amend Scituate’s general bylaws by expanding the definition of “commercial fisherman” to include for-hire charter captains who hold specific state and federal permits. Kearney argued that the changes would improve equity and reflect the evolving blue economy, noting that charter operations contribute to tourism but often remain stuck on long waitlists for recreational moorings.
“This article isn’t about me today,” Kearney said during the meeting as reported by South Shore News. “It’s about protecting opportunities for the next generation to engage in commercial fishing and the maritime economy in this harbor.”
The proposal drew pushback from traditional commercial fishermen, including lobstermen and groundfish operators, who warned that expanding the definition could further strain already scarce commercial moorings. Several speakers argued that commercial fishing should be defined by selling catch for a living, not carrying passengers for hire. One fisherman cautioned that permit-holding hobbyists could displace working boats. “If we only have a few moorings, they go to the guy who is going to actually make this his career,” a commercial fisherman at the meeting said.
No official vote was taken on the petition, which will move forward to the April 13 Town Meeting unchanged, though the board members encouraged continued discussion to avoid unintended consequences.
In a separate action, the Select Board unanimously approved a five-year schedule of fee increases for moorings and slips to fund maintenance, dredging, and pier reconstruction. Mooring fees will be raised by $1 per foot every other year beginning in FY26, while slip fees will increase roughly 8-10 percent in alternating years. The plan also establishes higher “Premium Slip” rates for larger vessels.
