01/20/2026
HEADLINE: ⚓ Harbor Update: Breaking Down the Intermunicipal Agreement Between Cohasset and Scituate. Which will be discussed at next Tuesday’s Selectboard meeting.
As many of you know, there has been ongoing litigation and debate regarding the management of Cohasset Harbor, specifically concerning moorings, aquaculture (oyster farms), and our jurisdictional lines.
A formal Intermunicipal Agreement was entered into on June 4, 2025, between the Towns of Cohasset and Scituate to resolve these disputes.
Here is a summary of the key terms and what they mean for Cohasset residents:
1. The Lawsuits are Ending
Both towns have agreed to dismiss the three active lawsuits with prejudice (meaning they cannot be brought back to court). This ends the legal battles over the Navigation Bylaw and the Aquaculture License appeals.
2. Mooring Management (A Win for Cohasset Boaters)
• Cohasset Retains Control: Cohasset will continue to manage and license all moorings in the harbor, including those located within Scituate’s municipal boundaries.
• Fees: Cohasset continues to collect the excise taxes and mooring fees for the inner harbor.
• Scituate’s Access: Scituate is granted one transient mooring space in the inner harbor at no cost.
3. Aquaculture (Oyster Farms)
• Scituate’s Program Continues: Scituate is allowed to continue its Pilot Program and expand it to a total of six (6) acres for aquaculture.
• Cohasset’s Cooperation: Cohasset agrees to endorse the "Conditional Area Management Plan" (CAMP) required for these farms to operate.
• Future Expansion: If Scituate wants to expand beyond 6 acres, they must notify Cohasset 3 months in advance to discuss it, though Scituate retains the right to license new areas.
4. Wastewater Plant Protections (Important Legal Protections)
Given the proximity of the farms to our Wastewater Treatment Plant, the agreement includes specific protections for Cohasset:
• Liability Shield: Scituate must require its oyster farmers to hold the Town of Cohasset harmless for any damages to their crops resulting from discharge from our Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Insurance: Farmers must maintain commercial liability insurance.
• Disclosure: Scituate must warn all applicants that the treatment plant is permitted to discharge into the harbor, which poses a risk of closure to shellfishing areas.
5. Term of Agreement
This agreement is in place for 5 years (until 2030) and can be extended by mutual agreement.
The Bottom Line:
This agreement effectively trades Scituate’s right to permit aquaculture (up to 6 acres) in exchange for Cohasset retaining administrative control and revenue over the harbor’s moorings, while securing legal indemnification regarding our wastewater plant.
