Mahon About Town Nantucket Blog

Overfishing of sharks may endanger bay scallops, researchers reported in “Science” journal. Sharks eat skates and rays, which eat bay scallops. Fewer sharks and more skates and rays equals fewer scallops. Fewer scallops means fewer scallop seeds, and the result could be a significant cause of the decline of the industry. However, the Associated Press reports that the director of scientific programs at the National Marine Fisheries Service said that “links between the large sharks, medium size rays and bay scallops were ‘tenuous,’” and that other factors also need to be considered. (Thanks to Zelda for her post on YACK for this tip.)

The Washington State legislature is considering a bill that would make it a crime to cut into the line of cars waiting for a ferry.

Delta Airlines will join JetBlue in providing service between Nantucket and JFK airport beginning in June.

Country Village Real Estate reports that “there are currently 447 properties on the market, with 46 under contract (approximately 9%). All the properties under agreement are under $4,000,000, except for one, the “East Brick” which has an asking price of $11,850,00. The most expensive house in Sconset is now 27 Main Street with a list price of $6,500,000.”

The total value of Nantucket property is now $20.38 billion, 4th highest in the state behind Boston, Cambridge and Newton. The average tax bill for Nantucket is $2569, 32% less than the $3801 average bill for the state.(Source: Nantucket Inquirer & Mirror, 4/12/07)