Vol. 3, No. 2 Contents
Headline Back Issues
Spring 1999
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Think regionally, take action in your own backyardBy Robert W. Varney, Commissioner
This fall, a small group of researchers and environmental managers will also be harvesting shellfish along New Hampshire's seacoast, but they won't be bringing their harvests home for dinner. The mussel samples collected by staff from my department and the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Jackson Estuarine Laboratory will be shipped off to laboratories in Maine and Canada. There they will be analyzed for organic contaminants and heavy metals, as part of the regional Gulfwatch toxic contaminant monitoring program. These are just two examples of how New Hampshire, as a member of the Gulf of Maine Council, is increasing its investment in issues of important regional concern. The Gulf of Maine Council's Action Plan: 1996 - 2001 lists reducing toxic contaminants in the region as one of its top five goals. For the last six years the Council's Gulfwatch mussel monitoring program has helped us to better understand and define the problem of toxic contaminants by sampling sites throughout the region every three years. Our department is working closely with the Jackson Laboratory to double the number of sampling sites in New Hampshire from six to 12, and to increase sampling frequency here to every two years. We'll be augmenting regional monitoring while also gaining valuable information on our own coastal waters. Another Council Action Plan goal is shellfish habitat restoration. The plan sets region-wide measurable objectives for reopening shellfish beds. In New Hampshire, we are working to reopen 700 additional acres (283 hectares) of closed shellfish beds by 2001, and another 1,000 acres (405 hectares) by 2005. We will also work to triple our numbers of harvestable clams and oysters by 2005. I believe strongly in the importance of regional cooperation on environmental issues. But the success of regional efforts depends on local actions. As New Hampshire increases its investment in shellfish habitat restoration and toxic contaminant monitoring, I hope that you will join us by investing in similar efforts in your jurisdiction. |
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On a cold weekend last November, more than 900 clammers (including yours truly) braved the elements to take advantage of the reopening of the Middle Ground clam flats in Hampton/Seabrook Harbor along New Hampshire's coast. We lined up before dawn to wait for a ride out to the flats in a small outboard launch. There, we were rewarded with a plentiful supply of softshell clams, easily harvesting the 10 quart (9.5 liter) limit. This was the first time in nearly ten years that this popular and productive shellfish area had been open for harvesting, and my fellow clam diggers responded enthusiastically.