Letters to the Editor: Best Friends for Life
December 12th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Merry Christmas Cedar Key
December 8th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Go GW Go!
November 29th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: How Can You Tell It`s Hunting Season?
October 17th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Fishing in Cedar Key
October 16th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Medically Needy Program Changes
June 25th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Support Your Local Police
May 30th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: County Budget Questions
May 27th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Good Publishing!
May 12th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Toxic Dumping in Gulf Waters
May 11th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Tribute for Our Hometown Hero
May 7th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: An Election Opinion
May 1st, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Historic Event in Cedar Key
April 19th, 2003

Letters to the Editor: Marines Call with Words of Sympathy
April 2nd, 2003

Letters to the Editor: With Deepest Sympathy
March 28th, 2003

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.

Read More...