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Website Updates

Dias Landing Improvements

The Dartmouth Harbormaster is pleased to announce that it is anticipated the new and improved pier and floating docks at the Arthur F. Dias Town Landing will be ready for seasonal, on-the-float storage of dinghies 10-feet and under and in-water boats 20-feet and under, by May 1, 2025 and encourages all residents who wish to keep a boat at the landing to apply by email now. The proposed cost of seasonal storage of a dinghy is $600 for the entire season which runs from May 1 to October 31. The proposed cost for in-water boats is $100 per linear foot for the entire season. The length of the boat includes the extra length of the motor. For example, a 13-foot skiff with an outboard engine will be billed for 14 feet.

There is limited space in this new facility so residents who wish to keep a boat at the new landing docks should apply as soon as possible. Spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to Dartmouth residents
whenever possible.

This fee does not include the public access parking fee at Dias Landing.

Only email applications will be accepted. No applications by phone, USPS mail, or in person will be accepted. To apply for storage please email the harbormaster at:
harbormaster@dartmouthharbormaster.com

Harbormaster Update

The Dartmouth Harbormaster Office is experiencing a severe shortage of administrative and clerical assistance at this time.  Unexpected emergency situations have severely limited staff availability as the 2024 season starts. The physical office site is not currently staffed for public service.  Please communicate directly with the limited staff remaining through email only via harbormaster@dartmouthharbormaster.com

Every attempt will be made to prioritize boater needs and demands with prompt email replies.  Boat waste pump out requests are being addressed as received through email (harbormaster@dartmouthharbormaster.com) and our website http://dartmouthharbormaster.com/pumpout-service/. Our focus must remain upon boater safety on the waterways with paperwork and administrative functions being addressed as limited resources allow.  Please have patience and understanding with the personnel remaining on staff.  Safely and responsibly enjoy your waterways experience with the knowledge that our clerical and administrative tasks will eventually catch up with you and your requests. Thank you.

Mooring Ball

2024 Mooring Renewal Deadline

Mooring, vessel, waitlist and reserved dinghy/kayak rack registration ends on March 31, 2024.  This is the same renewal deadline specified in local regulations/by-laws since 2003.  

Reminder invoices were mailed out on February 14, 2024 to each permit holder at the last known address in our database.

Renewal of each mooring, boat permit, waiting list position or reserved dinghy/kayak rack assignment remains the responsibility of each individual permit holder.

Inquiries and requests for electronic invoice reminders may be made prior to the 3/31 deadline by emailing harbormaster@dartmouthharbormaster.com

Mooring Ball

2024 Waterways Invoices

The 2024 annual Waterways Invoices have been mailed to the last addresses we have on file as of December 2023. If you would like to receive an individual, digital copy of your Waterways Invoice, please send an email to our office at:harbormaster@dartmouthharbormaster.com

Email is our preferred method of communication as staffing is limited during the off season. We will respond quickly to all email inquires we receive. We are unable to respond to telephone calls or messages in a timely manner at this time.  Please use email to contact our office, to request an invoice, or to seek any information related to moorings, boats or launching.
Thank you!

2023 Float Update – End of Season

To protect the dock floats associated with the Town Pier and Launch Ramps at the Dias Landing located at 75 Gulf Road from winter weather and ice, all floats and gangways attached to that facility will be removed during the week of November 26, 2023.  These floats will be stored in the facility parking area until the spring of 2024. 

The ramps and pier will remain open for use at the discretion and sole risk of individual mariners.

Upper Apponagansett Bay Re-Opens for Shellfish Harvesting

In accordance with Chapter 130, Section 74A of the Massachusetts General Laws, the
Division of Marine Fisheries has re-examined the below defined “CONDITIONALLY
APPROVED” shellfish growing area in the Apponagansett Harbor (BB12.3), in the Town of
Dartmouth, and in the “Closed to Shellfishing” status based on seasonal water quality changes and
mooring area criteria. As a result of this examination, the Division has determined that the below
defined area now meets the established criteria for the harvest of shellfish and has changed the
status to “Open to Shellfishing” as of sunrise on November 1, 2023.
The below defined area may be opened to the harvest of shellfish for direct human
consumption subject to local rules and regulation under authority of Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 130, Section 52.

CLASSIFICATION: CONDITIONALLY APPROVED
SEASONAL STATUS CHANGE
Status: Open to Shellfishing
November 1-April 30
All Dates Inclusive

BB12.3
Apponagansett Bay
“The waters and flats and all tributaries of Apponagansett Bay, in the Town of Dartmouth,
east of a line drawn from the town pier to the “NO SHELLFISHING” on the bridge
causeway, south of a line drawn easterly from the easternmost point of land at Star of the
Sea Villa to Mullen’s Pier at the foot of Captain’s Lane, west of a line drawn from Mullen’s
Pier to the northern tip of Little Island thence from the southern tip of Little Island to the
westerly abutment of the Bridge Street Bridge, thence from the bridge southerly to the end
of Ross’ Pier, north of a line from Bush Point to the eastern end of Knowles Pier and then
easterly of a line drawn approximately 300’ from the western end of the Bridge Street
Bridge to the eastern end of Mullins Pier.”

The status of BB12.3 shall automatically revert to “Closed to Shellfishing” on May 1, 2024,
unless the Division changes the status prior to said date.

Pumpout Services End for Season

With the predicted freezing temperatures tonight, staff have winterized the pumpout equipment. Pumpouts will resume in the spring of 2024.

Thank you for using the pumpout service this year and helping keep our waterways clean!

HM Office

Shellfish Reopened

The Department of Marine Fisheries has changed the status of shellfishing effective 9/17:

STATUS: OPEN TO THE TAKING OF SHELLFISH
Subject to conditional area management plan criteria where applicable

Dartmouth Shellfish