WEST BATH
Clammers here believe something must be done on a legislative basis to regulate the number of harvesting licenses sold and where those licenses can be used.
At a West Bath Marine Resources Committee meeting Wednesday, they asked a state lawmaker to take a fresh look at previously recommended legislation.
Clammers also want to have conservation closures be regulated, to prevent any passage during closure and to implement fines for such offenses.
“I am here to listen to the ideas and concerns with this and also to educate myself with what is going on,” said state Sen. Eloise Vitelli, DArrowsic, who attended the meeting.
Previously, at the request of the Brunswick Marine Resource Committee, state Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, DBrunswick, proposed a bill that would allow any governing unit in Maine to request the prohibition of worm harvesting in specified clam flats.
During times of conservation, flats would legally be closed for re-seeding, with violators facing fines of $300 to $1,000.
Clam harvesting licenses — issued and regulated by towns — and can cost $250 to $400, and are distributed according to land surveying and harvesting reports.
There are only so many licenses issued for each area and the numbers are limited. In addition, license holders are required to serve 12 hours of conservation in an effort to put back in what they take out.
By comparison, worm harvesting licenses are issued through the state and virtually have no regulations. They cost around $43 and there are no limits to the number that may be purchased.
Unlike the rules for clamming license, worm harvesters are not regulated as to where they can dig.
A regional alliance was suggested to form with other municipal committees in an effort to present the problem on a bigger scale.
“It is my intention to return with the information I have learned and research further what can be done to try and resolve these issues,” Vitelli said, adding that she will correspond with Gerzofsky and state Rep. Jeremy Saxton, D-Harpswell, after the holiday break.
AMY LILLY is a Times Record correspondent who lives in West Bath.
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