Posted on February 20, 2026
Severe winter conditions this February led to significant icing across several Cape Cod harbors, restricting commercial fishing activity, limiting emergency access, and placing strain on docks and waterfront infrastructure.
In Sesuit Harbor, the County dredge Cod Fish II was immobilized in the inner harbor for nearly two weeks due to heavy ice conditions. For local fishermen and harbormasters, the icing created operational and safety challenges during an already difficult winter season.
At its February 11 meeting, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners advanced emergency funding to support harbor icebreaking operations. The Assembly of Delegates subsequently ratified the measure, allowing contracted marine crews to begin work shortly thereafter.
Icebreaking operations began in Sesuit Harbor on Friday, February 13 and expanded to Wellfleet Harbor, Barnstable Harbor, Waquoit Bay, and the Three Bays area. Crews worked to reopen navigation channels, relieve pressure on docks and vessels, and restore safe access for commercial and emergency traffic.
The effort restored access for fishing and shellfishing vessels, ensured safe passage for emergency and harbormaster boats, and enabled the Cod Fish II dredge to resume scheduled work once conditions improve.
While significant harbor icing is relatively uncommon on Cape Cod, its impacts can be substantial. The coordinated response among Barnstable County, local harbormasters, municipal officials, and state partners helped restore harbor functionality and protect waterfront infrastructure during the winter season.
