Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - RE : Oyster Prices
January 6th, 2012

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - Oyster Prices
January 2nd, 2012

Letters to the Editor: TNR in Cedar Key
December 30th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - CK TNR
December 9th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - A Christmas Remembrance
December 9th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - Cedar Key T-N-R Legal Fund
December 8th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To The Editor - TRAP NEUTER AND HOARD?????
December 7th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To The Editor - Take a breath and put yourselves in the neighbor’s shoes
December 6th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - CK TNR
December 1st, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - CK TNR
November 30th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - CK TNR
November 29th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor - CK TNR
November 29th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Christmas South of #4
November 19th, 2011

Letters to the Editor: The Tarmac Mine
October 1st, 2011

Letters to the Editor: Letter To Editor
September 28th, 2011

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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