Aquaculture helps create better environment for shellfishing

I am writing to address a comment made in the Oct. 1 article “Limits to growth for oysters? Wild-harvest advocate asks for CRMC review.”

That article – and editor Mark S. Murphy’s discussion of the issue on Channel 10 – made reference to aquaculture infringing on the public trust by restricting access to boaters and fishermen.

In Rhode Island there are only 100 acres leased for shellfish aquaculture and the vast majority of those leases are still navigable by boaters. In many cases the leases consist simply of corner markers and oysters spread on the bottom. Sailors, boaters and rod-and-reel fishermen still enjoy the unfettered use of these waters. The only user group whose use of these areas is restricted is shellfishermen.

These leases were only permitted after DEM surveys had determined that the shellfish resources in these sites was insignificant. By spreading millions of seed, aquaculturists have transformed these areas into productive, vibrant bottom. At the same time the shellfish on these leases provide tangible environmental benefits to the local environment by improving water quality and providing habitat to millions of juvenile fish. There are many areas that are not naturally productive shellfish grounds. We have the means to turn them into the most productive areas in the state.

It is unfortunate that the wild-harvest fishermen perceive aquaculture as a threat. Aquaculture will never replace fishing. Aquaculture does provide a sustainable way to supplement the state’s production of nutritious, delicious shellfish.