Letters to the Editor: Alas Buddy
August 26th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: No Gulf Trail
August 26th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Responsibilities of a Public Figure
August 14th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Great Storm Coverage!
August 14th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You to the Firefighters of Levy County
August 5th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Getting Rid of Old Computers
July 28th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Great Celebration!
July 9th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Business Card Request Letter a Hoax?
June 21st, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Thank You Cedar Key!
June 12th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Request for Election Information
June 9th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Military Study Highlights Negative Impact of Bombing Range
May 29th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: A BIG LOSS
May 24th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Cedar Key Cedar Where?
May 17th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Lost Cat Found
May 14th, 2004

Letters to the Editor: Farewell and Thank You!
May 10th, 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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