Meeting Highlights

Brunswick Shellfish Committee Meeting

October 1 , 2008

Depuration

Depuration Subcommittee Member Chris Green recommended that that a depuration harvest of the Bull Pen be conducted this weekend if the flood closure is lifted. A poll of the commercial diggers in attendance supported the recommendation. Warden Devereaux added that the Town has received around $1,400 from depuration harvesting.

Clam Surveys

Warden Dan Devereaux announced that the annual survey of the Brunswick clam flats is about half completed. He stated that the resource shows signs of depletion. He added that a good population of quahogs has appeared in Middle Bay and that the Committee should consider various management options.

Water Quality

            Warden Devereaux announced that accelerated sampling of Harpswell Cove has begun but is temporarily on hold due to the recent flood closure. The accelerated sampling was permitted by the Department with the replacement of a failing septic system that was adversely affecting the water quality of the cove.

Conservation Project

Warden Devereaux recommended a green crab eradication project for Thomas Point Beach. He said that they observed a large amount of green crabs under rocks in the area. After some discussion, the Committee set an October 18th date for the project.

Town Boundary

Warden Devereaux reported that due to recent problems with the town boundary between Harpswell and Brunswick through Middle Bay, visible markers were placed along the line. The line was reestablished a few years ago but was marked by buried metal tubes.

Conservation Closure

Member Green proposed that the Town be closed to digging during the winter and restricted during periods of low clam values. After discussion, the Committee decided to hold a public hearing on the proposal at the next meeting.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for November 5th in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Meeting Facility at 7 pm.

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