DV-08-001 Down East Shellfish Management Project

Gary Edwards
Down East Resource Conservation & Development Council
87 Milbridge Road
PO Box 210
Cherryfield, ME 04622
207.546.2368
gary.edwards@me.usda.gov

The extensive mudflats and coves along the eastern Maine coast provide habitat for clams, scallops, mussels, and oysters, which in turn sustain the economies of coastal communities. However, recent habitat loss and harvest decline has prompted activities to improve and enhance shellfish resources. The recently completed Shellfish Collaboration Project surveyed shellfish committees to identify management issues such as pricing, markets, clam density, and harvesting closures. The Down East Shellfish Management Project will build on these results by obtaining further information from fishermen, collecting information on conservation measures, and develop research projects to test the effectiveness of various shellfish enhancement techniques.

1-year project, 2008
Total: $2,500