☀️ Will cod return to the Cape?

Good morning Cape Cod! A very warm welcome to the 147 new subscribers who joined this week. Are you traveling at all for the solar eclipse on Monday? Cheers to a great weekend.

In this week’s Cape Coddah:

• No second hand shotguns

• Migrant crisis hits home

• Real BBQ on the cape

• Live music and theater

Let’s get to it.

THE DIGEST

Will cod ever return to the Cape? 🐟

Cape Cod's name harks back to the plentiful cod fish that once teemed in its waters, fueling a booming fishery. But today, that abundance is but a memory. Bartholomew Gosnold, christened the area in 1602 after hauling in a heap of cod. Back then, tales of colossal catches weren't uncommon—a stark contrast to today's reality.

The decline of cod can be traced to rampant overfishing and a lack of effective management. By the time regulations tightened in 1975, the damage was done. The fishery collapsed, prompting a moratorium in 1992. Despite efforts to revive it, cod populations remain a fraction of their former glory.

Today, there are glimmers of hope. Some data suggest a slow rebound, with juvenile fish showing promising signs. But challenges persist, compounded by warming oceans and the proliferation of seals, both potential threats to recovery. While NOAA sets ambitious targets for restoration by the mid-2030s, the road ahead remains uncertain. Only time will tell if Cape Cod's iconic fish can reclaim its throne. Read the full story.

No trades on the shotguns  🔥

In collaboration with the State Police, the Falmouth Police Department is disposing of old police shotguns at no cost to residents, a decision endorsed by the Select Board. Town Manager Mike Renshaw opted for destruction over trade-in, citing a potential trade-in value of $4,125. The move, supported by the Falmouth Gun Safety Coalition, sets a precedent in Massachusetts, aligning with national practices seen in Seattle and Honolulu to prevent surplus police weapons from re-entering circulation. Read the fully story.

Welcome center fixer upper 🪧

At a recent meeting, the Barnstable County bigwigs green-lit a $40,000 request to support the Cape Cod Welcome Center for the upcoming 2024 season. The center, managed by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, received approval for upgrades including a new kiosk, sidewalks, and improved lighting. Commissioner Sheila Lyons highlighted the importance of the center as a welcoming gateway for visitors, noting its role in enhancing the Cape Cod experience. Last year, the center welcomed around 32,000 visitors. Read the full story.

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No rest for Sleeper 🚐

Melissa Sleeper found herself living in a camper on a friend's property in Marstons Mills. Sleeper left her Falmouth apartment due to a steep rent increase. However, she's now facing eviction as a Barnstable town ordinance prohibits occupied campers on private property for more than 20 days a year. Sleeper, are among many facing housing struggles on Cape Cod. Despite working long hours, Sleeper couldn't find an affordable apartment, especially one that allows pets. She explored other options like campgrounds but found them to be limited and seasonal. Now, she's navigating the permit process, hoping for more time to find a permanent solution. Read the full story.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Time to dust off the Hawaiian shirts 🍹🌴

Jimmy Buffett's (RIP) Margaritaville has opened reservations for its new Cape Cod resort, marking its first lodging venture in New England. Managed by Linchris, the revamped Cape Codder Resort & Spa, now dubbed Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod, boasts 272 rooms and a slew of amenities following a $30 million makeover. The resort offers an indoor water park, outdoor pool, spa, and Margaritaville-inspired dining options. Reservations are now open for stays starting June 21st, promising travelers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Cape Cod. Hey, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Read the fully story.

Authentic BBQ on the Cape 🍗

Jeremiah Reardon, chef and owner of Red River BBQ in Harwich Port, is all about real food and genuine relationships. Everything at his restaurant is locally sourced and made from scratch. Reardon knows the importance of treating others well, reflected in the fabulous staff and commitment to ethical farming. Since taking over in March 2023, he's infused the menu with his own flair while maintaining Red River's beloved barbecue roots. From crispy shrimp over cheesy grits to smoked prime rib, there's something for everyone, with live music and events adding to the lively atmosphere. And let's not forget their catering division and food truck, making appearances at local events and beaches all summer long. Read the full story.

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

CIVIL NEWS

 Sour news at the suites 🏨

A Cape Cod motel has stirred up controversy for housing migrant families past the allowed time frame, drawing the attention of zoning brass. Harborside Suites in South Yarmouth has put up over 20 migrant families since September, violating a local bylaw capping temporary stays at less than 30 days. While the motel works to relocate the families, the Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals upheld the violation notice, emphasizing the importance of local ordinances despite state-level emergency declarations. The situation highlights the challenges faced by communities navigating the migrant crisis, with concerns ranging from zoning regulations to public safety and resource allocation. Read the full story.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Into the Woods Jr. 🌳

The Trinity Christian Academy Performing Arts Department invites you to the 2024 Production of Into The Woods, Jr. on Saturday, April 6th at 7 PM and Sunday April 7th at 3 PM. All other shows are sold out. Click here for tickets.

Live Music 🎸

• Sarah Swain & the Oh Boys @ The West End, Hyannis (Friday)

• Paul Nelson Memorial Concert @ The Music Room, West Yarmouth (Friday)

• Dan Felix @ Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis (Friday)

• Pat Ryan & Sarah Sneed @ The Seal, Sandwich (Friday)

• North Country @ Hog Island Beer, Orleans (Friday)

• Dezi Garcia @ Chapins Bayside, Dennis (Friday)

• Thee Midnight Society @ Valley Grille (Quashnet Valley Golf Course), Mashpee (Saturday)

• Whiskey Princess @ Tomatillos Southwestern Grill, Sandwich (Saturday)

• Moondance @ The Music Room, West Yarmouth (Saturday)

• Kyle Morrison @ Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis (Saturday)

• Andrew Lowenstein @ Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis (Sunday)

Kids on the Cape Calendar 📅 

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

WEATHER

Friday

46 🌡️ 38 | 🌧️ | 45% | 💨 NW 17 mph

Saturday

43 🌡️ 36 | 🌧️ | 91% | 💨 NNW 15 mph

Sunday

44 🌡️ 38 | ☁️ | 40% | 💨 N 17 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 42ºF

LISTING OF THE WEEK

6 Great Hills Drive, Sandwich, MA
Asking $749,900
4 🛌 
2.5 🛀
2547 square feet
0.6 acre lot

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

THANKS!

Thanks for reading The Cape Coddah today. If you found something useful or entertaining, please share it with someone who loves a margarita.