For over 250 years, the neighboring towns of Cohasset and Scituate in Massachusetts enjoyed a friendly coexistence. However, the introduction of oyster farms in Scituate’s portion of their shared harbor has driven a deep wedge between the two communities.
Scituate, a town of fewer than 20,000 residents, aims to establish oyster farms in its section of the bay. This initiative has been met with fierce resistance from Cohasset, which argues that these farms inhibit recreational activities like swimming and boating. Over the past five years, this dispute has escalated dramatically, resulting in five lawsuits, the seizure of over 30 boat moorings, and a stalled joint infrastructure project.
At the heart of the conflict lies a mere three acres of oyster farms within a 250-acre harbor. Yet, for the residents of both towns, the issue represents much more. “For Cohasset, it’s about shellfishing. For Scituate, it’s about sovereignty,” explained Scituate Town Administrator Jim Boudreau in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
The oyster farms, Cohasset officials contend, pose a threat to the harbor’s usability and its environment. Cohasset Select Board member Jack Creighton voiced his concerns, stating, “We have an opportunity to preserve and protect from privatization and industrialization.”
The controversy began in earnest in 2019, when Scituate’s shellfish advisory committee proposed the oyster farming project. Despite opposition, Scituate launched a pilot program last summer, with the first oysters set to be harvested this year. Cohasset, however, remains adamant that the environmental tests conducted were insufficient and that the harbor is too polluted for safe oyster farming.
The dispute has spilled into other areas, further straining relations between the towns. After Cohasset sued Scituate last year, Scituate reclaimed control of boat moorings on its side of the harbor, resulting in some boat owners paying double fees to avoid losing their spots. “Everything was so screwed up I just said I’m going to pay both,” lamented Tina Watson, a local artist who has had her mooring for over 50 years.
Additionally, discussions about a regional sewer system, which had promised to benefit both towns and neighboring Hull, have stalled. Tim Davis, president of Friends of Bassing Beach, summed up the situation: “There is no way Cohasset is going to help Scituate with sewer when we’re still dealing with this.”
What was once a close-knit community is now deeply divided. “Everybody knows everybody here,” said Watson, reflecting on the lost camaraderie. “I wish the tension would go away,” echoed Andrew Goodrich, chair of the Scituate Select Board.
