Letters to the Editor: Another Letter to the Editor
April 28th, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Alison Weir`s Response to Mike Segal
April 21st, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Reply to an Advertisement in Cedar Key News
April 20th, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Another Letter to the Editor
April 20th, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Action from Tallahassee?
February 27th, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Message from Fr. Jim Wright
February 25th, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Tarmac Questions
January 25th, 2009

Letters to the Editor: County`s Potential Appointments Raise Questions
January 10th, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Please Help Keep Our Parks Open
December 24th, 2008

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Thanks From Stephanie Gazda
December 6th, 2008

Letters to the Editor: Chamber Urges Action to Keep State Museum Open
November 29th, 2008

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Consider More Than Jobs
November 8th, 2008

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Former Resident Reacts to Commission Indictments
November 7th, 2008

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Blatant Racism Offends Visitors
November 7th, 2008

Letters to the Editor: Canadian Enjoys CK News
September 22nd, 2008

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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