Letters to the Editor: Term Limits
May 10th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Government Failure
May 10th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Americans Need a Smarter, Cleaner Energy Policy
April 26th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Accuracy in Reporting Needed
April 11th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Register to Vote
March 28th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Seeking Election
March 27th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Parking Regulations on Route for Cedar Key?
March 21st, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Re: Fees Have Rich Aroma
February 24th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: A Few Comments to the City Commission
February 12th, 2005

Letters to the Editor: Health Clinic a Win-Win Idea
December 21st, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You from Clothe A Child Program
December 9th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You and Congratulations
November 8th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Sidewalks???
November 5th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Introducing Hilltop Alternative School
November 5th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You to All Those Who Participated
November 3rd, 2004

Letter to the Editor

Mike Hodges

Thu, Jul 4th 2013 Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in regards to the Clam Lease Expansion Proposed by the Department of Aquaculture and Consumer Services (DACS).

Last week DACS decided to shelve the High Density Portion of The Proposed Clam Lease Expansion, we unanimously applaud this decision, however, we still have grave concerns about DACS allowing Lease Applications to be submitted for 5 acres per person. If the first of these applications are approved it will open PANDORA`S BOX, and set a precedence for all other applications which could tally into the hundreds.

Approximately 15 years ago, we had a similar situation with the Pelican Reef Expansion, many of the lease applicant`s had no intention of planting clams, selling their leases to make a quick profit. It was like an old fashioned land grab. After that, DACS stopped accepting lease applications. During that time the clam market could absorbed the added production, clam prices were double what they are today. Making the same mistake now, with the shape we are in, would be disastrous. We have been over producing for some time now, causing prices to plummet. More clam leases means more clams. What we need now is a marketing plan.

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