To the editor:
To anyone affected by clam flat closures; we have to somehow convince the Dept. of Marine Resources (DMR) that closing flats because of rainfall/pollution run-off is bogus in most areas. It puts the clam diggers out of work and affects anybody they do business with (i.e. the Maine economy). Any bells going off here? I’ve dug and eaten clams the day after a 4-inch rainfall and I’m still squawking. I thought I’d squawk a little louder today. Clams just need to be cooked properly (This applies during red tide also, by the way). They closed the flats yesterday before it even rained!
I’m not sure who the powers that be will listen to. I understand it is one person who makes these decisions. To any political representative or anyone reading this who has influence, do something! I was told by a DMR worker that this one person is Amy Fitzpatrick. (633-9554 or amy.fitzpatrick@maine.gov) I really don’t believe she makes these decisions by herself, but if she gets an earful or a full inbox, maybe DMR will notice. I think all clam diggers will agree, they need to change this policy or compensate us. (yeah right, just what the State of Maine needs).
My guesstimate that at an average of $60 a tide (and I’m being conservative) @ 110 licensed diggers in Machiasport, that’s $6,600. And that’s just one town and one tide, folks. To keep people from making a living for a bogus reason is insane if not evil. If anyone can help:
Gail Popham
Machiasport