Letters to the Editor: Osama Still Taunting America
November 2nd, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Is Bush on a Mission from God?
October 27th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Former Students Offer Their Support
October 24th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Brett Beauchamp - the Right Man for the Job
October 23rd, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You for Making the Parade a Success!
October 22nd, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Whooping Cranes Begin Annual Migration to Florida
October 11th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Why are so Many People Running for Sheriff?
October 11th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Everyone Loves A Parade
October 9th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Changes to the Gulf Trail Project
October 5th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Gulf Trail Letter Rebuttal
September 22nd, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Global Warming and Hurricanes
September 19th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Request for Tide Surge Information
September 10th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thanks for the Storm Coverage
September 9th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Evacuation Orders - Are They Necessary?
September 4th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: The Gulf Trail`s Future
September 2nd, 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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