Responding to some negative comment about a proposed oyster and scallop farm in the Niantic River: Years ago the famous Niantic Bay scallop was decimated by the manmade removal of the sea grass growing in the river, upon which the scallop depended to replicate.

The educated among us know a large colony of oysters, scallops and mussels cycle sea water through their digestive systems, thus cleaning the water. This fact is well known in marine science and advertised in their technical journals. Several seaside states have even expended large sums to encourage and foster the growth of shellfish to help keep their waters clean.

Those who live and work near the river tend to add pollutants to the waters in the form of sewage spills, septic leakage, lawn fertilizers and marine engine discharge. This makes it hard to understand why people will say “not in my back yard” when the cleansing created would repair the damage they’re causing.

I and those who enjoy the fruits of the sea as well as the recreational aspects of a clean river, applaud the efforts of the Waterford and East Lyme shellfish commission to foster a clean water farm in their river.

Christopher Mullaney

Old Lyme