Clam, worm harvesters at odds in Brunswick
The mud flats off Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick have been closed to clam harvesters since last spring in order to refresh the clam resource, but some 20 worm harvesters per day never left the flats.
As reported by The Forecaster, the clam restrictions have been successful. Brunswick Harbor Master Dan Devereaux said he and his staff counted between 200 and 300 juvenile clams per square foot in their surveys.
However, clam harvesting is regulated by local ordinance, whereas worm harvesting falls under state regulation. Devereaux would like to see clam and worm harvesters on equal footing, especially since he’s seen a lot of natural clams this and last seasons.
In August, the Brunswick Marine Resources Committee voted to repeal the conservation closure.
Tuesday evening, Devereaux told the town council it was the only “equitable” thing to do, so clammers could harvest as well.
Devereaux said municipal leaders from other coastal towns with clam and marine worm conflicts plan to meet in Brunswick Sept. 24, and he invited the Brunswick councilors to attend. He said he wants a quick, peaceful resolution.
When tempers flare, he said, “tires are slashed, things get burned … we don’t want that again.”
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