2025 Food Summit: Strengthening Aquaculture Through Coastal Wastewater Advocacy

2025 Food Summit: Focus on Coastal Wastewater Legislation & Aquaculture

This year’s annual food summit zeroes in on a critical issue impacting regional food security and aquaculture: Combined Sewer Outflows (CSO) and their devastating effects on the shellfishing industry along Massachusetts’ Southcoast.

A key highlight will be the discussion of Bill H1000/S638, filed by Senator Mark Montigny and Representatives Christopher Markey and Mark Sylvia. This legislation proposes the creation of a Coastal Waters Wastewater Financing Committee—a legislative commission tasked with identifying revenue sources to fund essential wastewater infrastructure improvements.

The bill specifically targets nitrogen pollution and outdated sewer systems that threaten coastal ecosystems and public health in the following towns: Acushnet, Carver, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Lakeville, Gosnold, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, New Bedford, Plymouth, Rochester, Wareham, Westport.

Over the past two years, shell fishermen have faced frequent CSO-related shutdowns due to increasingly intense superstorms—putting both livelihoods and a vital regional high-protein food source at serious risk.

By advancing this legislation, lawmakers and stakeholders aim to bolster aquaculture resilience, protect coastal waters, and secure the future of sustainable seafood in Massachusetts.

You’re Invited: Strengthening Aquaculture Through Coastal Wastewater Advocacy

• Date: October 3, 2025
• Time: 2:00-3:30pm
• Location: UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST – East Building)

Join the Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council (SFPC) and collaborating partners: New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC), Massachusetts Aquaculture Association (MAA), Buzzards Bay Coalition, and Southeastern MA Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) for a critical policy conversation on proposed legislation addressing CSOs and wastewater infrastructure on the Southcoast.

Together, we will explore:

• The direct impacts of CSO closures on the shellfish industry
• Legislative goals and opportunities for funding wastewater upgrades
• The potential to launch a regional coalition in support of this effort

Panel Includes:

• Municipal Wastewater Superintendent – addressing the scope of wastewater challenges.
• Vincent Furtado, Public Works Superintendent, Fairhaven – addressing municipal wastewater treatment facilities and what CSO’s are.
• Dale Leavitt, Bluestream Aquaculture – providing a scientific lens on aquaculture impacts.
• Seth Garfield, Massachusetts Aquaculture Association – highlighting shellfish industry losses.
• Representatives from the Offices of Senator Montigny, Rep. Markey, and Rep. Sylvia – presenting the goals of Bill H1000/S638.
• Moderated by – Liz Wiley, Executive Director of the Marion Institute..

Be part of this timely and necessary conversation to determine if we, as a region, are ready to lead and advocate for sustainable solutions.

Registration for this event is closed.