September 5, 2007

 

Minutes: Shellfish Commission

 

Attending: Marianne Brenton, Cecil Amos Doughty, Gary Ross, Bob Earnest, David Miller; Claire Ross had also expressed interest in attending, but had to attend the Selectman meeting instead

 

  1. Chairman: David Miller
  2. Secretary: Bob Earnest
  3. Meeting schedule: until we get on top of things, we should meet every few weeks; next meeting tentatively scheduled for 9/17; and, every other Monday night 7:15pm (Bob to contact Joannie to reserve the hall for the 19th and thereafter).
  4. Outstanding issues:
    1. Clam surveys (get a crowd of volunteers to the beach, dig test holes, document size, make out a report for the regional biologist / state, etc); usually done before the first of the year?

                                              i.     We need to contact Mr. Card, the biologist, to learn more about what and when for the survey (Leon knows him; Cecil to arrange)

                                             ii.     Talk with Claire / copy Claire on minutes (Bob to call / copy)

                                           iii.     Chebeaguešs preference historically was spring, to avoid missing a day of work; and, it may work best for us to do the surveys in the afternoon (in terms of not interfering with work schedules)

                                           iv.     We need to schedule our survey places, times, etc. (after we meet with Mr. Card)

    1. Each member should receive a copy of the ordinance (Bob to get a copy to every member)
    2. What all is included in ŗshellfish˛ as per law, ordinance, etc?  As far as this group knows, wešre just concerned with clams – although we could look beyond that in the future.
  1. Direction /discussion:
    1. What is the exact nature of licensing agreement with Cumberland?
    2. Should we maintain the prohibition on clamming after dark / before sunrise?
    3. Is this group chartered to get involved in aquaculture?  Not historically, but Cecil suggested that we might gather clam seed on the bar and plant in some designated / fenced area thatšs not doing well, and see what happens.

 

Email: David to Gail; Marianne is mab4160@rcn.com; Gary at jsross5@msn.com; Cecil via hardcopy