Town To Install Life Rings At Fishing Spots Using $12K State Grant

CHATHAM – The town will soon be installing a dozen life rings at locations popular with recreational anglers, thanks to a $12,000 state grant.

 The money comes from the sale of saltwater fishing licenses through the Massachusets Division of Marine Fisheries.

 Chatham Coastal Resources Director Ted Keon said staff decided to apply for the grant after something they had seen one summer.

 “It was a couple years or so ago when a gentleman had fallen in at Ryder’s Cove,” he said. The man was fine, but he initially had trouble getting out of the water, prompting the landing officer to point out the need for better safety at busy landings and fishing spots.

 The grant will fund 12 mounted ring-shaped life preservers with the necessary storage and equipment. While the exact locations haven’t been decided yet, as many as four are likely to be placed at the fish pier, with two by the packing house and one each on the north and south jogs. 

 “It’s an important water access site. There’s a lot of public use there,” Keon said. 

 The grant, through the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund, aims to increase opportunities for sportfishermen.

 Tom O’Shea, the state commissioner of fish and game, said in a news release that improving amenities at fishing spots supports the economy and a pastime that is important to many people.

 “As an avid angler, it’s important to me that residents and visitors alike can access the world-class recreational fishing opportunities our state has to offer,” he said. 

 “These projects will not only improve opportunities for anglers who fish from the shore on the Cape and Islands, but they will also boost the Commonwealth’s blue economy,” said Dan McKiernan, director of the division of marine fisheries. “We are excited to further long-standing state and local partnerships to improve public access to our spectacular coastline and fisheries.” 

 “Congratulations to the town of Chatham for receiving funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to enhance the safety of their community fishing piers,” said State Representative Hadley Luddy, D–Orleans. “Fishing is an integral part of our community activities in Chatham, and this funding will benefit our locals and visitors alike." 

 Also receiving funding in this grant round was the town of Edgartown, which will use its $13,000 to install lighting, fillet stations and washdown stations at two popular fishing sites.