The East Lyme Commission for the Conservation of Natural Resources would like to state its support of the Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission in its recent efforts to revise the Niantic River shellfish management plan.

We encourage WELSCO’s focus on clear management and oversight of all commercial shellfishing activities, an historic use of the river. Clear rules make it easier for proposed projects to comply with management goals. Properly designed shellfish aquaculture projects are non-polluting activities, repeatedly documented to actually improve water quality through shellfish filtration. This is particularly true for oysters, as each one can filter 50 gallons of water daily. Oysters increase habitat diversity by providing structure for other marine organisms and seed to enhance recreational shellfishing. The production of shellfish for local restaurants and markets benefits the local economy. We believe this type of activity is entirely compatible with the other human uses of the Niantic River and should be encouraged. 

Donald Danila

East Lyme

The writer is a member of the East Lyme Commission for the Conservation of Natural Resources.