All Clams on Deck will increasing the capacity of Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industry, for food or water quality purposes, will generate jobs, clean water and provide more local seafood. Commercial aquaculture clamming has been growing steadily in the state. Photo: Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News
by Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News Editor
On Florida’s west coast increased development and pollution stress antiquated wastewater systems causing a release of inadequately treated water into rivers and streams; water runoff from storms carry nutrients across fertilized lawns and paved surfaces; all this water eventually ending in one place – the Gulf of Mexico – harming an already fragile ecosystem.
The Gulf Shellfish Institute has launched All Clams on Deck, a Gulf Coast a five-year, restoration initiative project within three national estuaries— Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay & Charlotte Harbor.
“The health of Florida’s aquatic assets is important to the state’s future and is critical to its economy,” said Ed Chiles, founding member of All Clams on Deck and vice president of Gulf Shellfish Institute. “We are seeking support from federal and state government, as well as individuals, to restore 650 acres in three Gulf Coast national estuaries native to seagrass and clams. Coastal waters need support now so that future generations can benefit.”
Clams and seagrass play a significant role in cleaning water, removing excess nutrients, and promoting healthy estuaries. Both clams and seagrass cleanse the water by filtering out chemicals, pathogens and bacteria.
“The health of Florida’s aquatic assets is important to the state’s future and is critical to its economy,” said Ed Chiles on the beach of his Beach House Restaurant. Photo: Ed Lallo/Gulf Seafood News
This five-year, science-based demonstration project will provide large-scale proof of concept that will increase clean water and mitigate nutrients as well as create jobs and advance sustainable aquaculture. With less than 1% of the state’s million acres of shellfish-approved waters currently leased, there is great potential for growth of this environment- friendly industry.
“Over the next 3-5 years of this model project the All Clams on Deck initiative will concentrate on restoration,” said Chiles, who also serves on the Gulf Seafood Foundation board. “It will prove out the science needed to be able to score bivalves for reducing internal nutrient loading. The innovative ground-truth science will be used to quantify large-scale water quality improvements and benefits to seagrass communities.”
Buckets of clams being taken to and existing reef restoration project to help cleanse the water by filtering out chemicals, pathogens and bacteria. Photo: The Chiles Group
The Gulf Shellfish Institute is a leader in research for sustainable aquaculture and healthy ecosystems. Researchers at the non-profit say increasing the capacity of Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industry, for food or water quality purposes, will generate jobs, clean water and provide more local seafood. It is requesting $15,000,000 in federal funding and $2,500,000 from state funding, that will provide the framework and resources necessary for a team of industry experts, managers, and scientists to implement planting efforts, evaluate the environmental response and demonstrate the comprehensive impacts of the clams and seagrass.
“The great news is the State of Florida has included $2.5M for clams and seagrass restoration in the budget for 2022 Legislative Session House Bill 5001,” explained the Bradenton Beach restaurateur. “The budget will soon be sent to Florida Governor DeSantis for his consideration. It is imperative that we show our immediate support for this legislation and ask him for his support on this appropriation.”
Chiles says the Gulf Shellfish Institute is asking Florida residents to send a hard copy supporting letter, not an email, to the governor and provide the organization with a copy.
Letter to Governor Ron DeSantis in Support of Appropriation 19341
Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
State of Florida, The Capitol
400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Fl 32399-001
Honorable Governor DeSantis:
I am writing to express my support for Appropriation 19341 for funds to be provided for the Gulf Shellfish Institute – Clams & Seagrass Restoration – Three estuaries SW Florida (HB 9161) (Senate Form 1510). I am respectfully requesting your support of this appropriation when you review and sign House Bill 5001.
(We encourage you to then provide an additional paragraph explaining why you support this effort.) Some topics for the rapid declines in seagrass & bivalve populations due to:
- Development, Pollution, Urban Runoff
- Storms & Hurricanes
- Harmful Algal Blooms Economic Consequences:
- Coastal Communities
- Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
- Florida Tourism Thriving seagrass meadows & healthy clam populations provide:
- Valuable Fisheries Habitat
- Water Filtration
- Nutrient Reduction
- Carbon Sequestration
Sincerely,
(Your name & signature)
Click for support letter pdf: Support of Appropriation 19341
- After completion send a copy of your letter supporting this initiative either by fax to 941-778-3997, or emailing a copy to vaughn5139@gmail.com.
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