The Marblehead Harbormaster has placed moorings in the back of Salem Harbor by Wyman Cove. And there can be more.

People have been using this body of open water for recreation for decades. This is important open water where people wake board, tube, SUP, water ski and sail. This is water where kids regularly swim and play. But this will not be possible or safe if the Harbormaster continues to keep and put moorings in this area.

It is important to note that there are a significant number of unused moorings within the existing mooring field. It would seem that these moorings in the back of Salem Harbor could be moved 100 yards into the existing mooring field. No one needs to lose their mooring.

Boats moored outside the current mooring field bottom out at low tides putting bottom paint and micro plastics into the resource area - a shellfish suitable area according to the Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, this area is designated as a Special Aquatic Site by the Department of Marine Fisheries.

Furthermore these moorings produce chain scour that releases heavy metals from the mud into the water in this area.

Please sign this petition if you are against this expansion of the current Salem mooring field into the back of Salem Harbor.