Many communities across Maine’s coast are working to seed or revitalize “dead” mud. This usually is a mixed methods process, where clams are protected from predators, and communities purchase large amounts of 1-year old seed clams from hatcheries like the Downeast Institute to place in these flats. Gouldsboro has previously used similar techniques to restore flats in Jones Cove, Joy Bay, and John Small Cove.
This year, Gouldsboro is piloting a new method to reduce costs for coastal communities to buy seed clams. Specifically, Gouldsboro will assume responsibility for clam growth and survival at 2-3 weeks old, grow the clams out by overwintering them locally at a shoreline property, and then distributing them on the flats. Currently, they are in the process of building the overwintering facility, having already bought the 2-3 week old clams. During this study Gouldsboro is also using recruitment boxes to harvest wild seed to supplement their purchase.
Contacts
Mike Pinkham – Gouldsboro Shellfish Warden
m73ap@yahoo.com
The Mudflat 