Guilford Area Shellfish Gains in Popularity

• GUILFORD - Despite the detection of a form of leukemia found in local clams this spring, recreational shell fishing in town is doing as well - if not better - than ever.
• According to statistics compiled by the Shellfish Commission, recreational shell-fishing license sales are up 30 percent over last year. The town has sold 323 permits, generating more than $11,000 in revenue. "Recreational (shell) fishing is way up this year, generally speaking," says Shellfish Commission chairman Bob Scott.
• The increased popularity of clamming no doubt has something to do with the explosive growth of clam populations in Long Island sound over the past decade. According to a report conducted by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, hard shell- clam harvests rose from 146,000 bushels in 1996 to a whopping 403,000 bushels in 2004.
• While oysters have not been as present or as popular as their bi-valve cousin, the Shellfish Commission has taken active measures to ensure a diversity of shell fish in the rivers and shore areas in and around Guilford. "I want to plant about 15 to 20 bushels of oysters in the Trolley Road recreational shell fishing area this year," says Dave Dodge of the Shellfish Commission. "The idea is not to bring back oyster populations, but to provide people with something they can pick."
• Still, the popularity of "digging," as clammers call their work, and oystering comes at an odd time. In September of 2005, an anonymous local clammer and aquaculture expert found a number of dead clams in the waters of Guilford's Grass Island. Samples of those clams taken by the Connecticut Bureau of Aquaculture in April tested positive for the presence of "disseminated neoplasia," a form of leukemia.
• "Grass Island used to be loaded with steamers," says Scott. "We're not really sure how they died off, but leukemia is one possible explanation. Samples are still being taken and the investigation is continuing, but it's important for people to know the leukemia in no way affects humans."
• While recreational shell fishing in Guilford is open to residents and non-residents alike, it is a highly regulated sport and requires licensing from the town. Shellfish warden Thomas Puffer says that as shell fishing has become more popular, it has, like anything else, attracted a few bad apples.
• "Recently, I inspected and revoked a legitimate town license that belonged to a non-resident which claimed that he was a resident," said Puffer. "I don't know how he obtained the license, but I think when people are in violation of the rules they ought to be required to appear before the Shellfish Commission to explain themselves." [orginially published ShoreLineTimes.com by Ross Gilbert]
  
• For more information: Guide to Shellfishing in Connecticut and Download the Guide to Shellfishing in Connecticut.