Several Beaches Closed For Clamming, But DHHS Class Trying To Come Up With Alternative

As of earlier this week, all of the beaches in Madison were closed to shellfishing.

West Wharf was closed after the Department of Aquaculture expressed concern about bacteria being stirred up by the boats moored there and Seaview Beach was closed due to the droppings form a goose population.

But students in a Daniel Hand High School Marine Science and Technology class hope to come to the rescue of diehard clammers;  they have identified a hardshell clam population at Garvin Point at the Surf Club.  On Thursday, they were out in the field again checking the habitat. 

Work is part of ongoing effort

Their work Thursday was just part of their ongoing efforts to support clamming in Madison.

Earlier this spring students from this class conducted a clam census. This was no idle scholastic exercise, but a specific project conducted on behalf of the Madison Shellfish Commission.   The class' mission was to provide data to the town about the density of the clam population and the size of the clams present.

Their findings will help determine whether there are ample clams available for digging by Madison's eager clamming population.

The students are under the tutelage of Science Teacher Mike Docker and Tech Ed Teacher Bryan Amenta.

Transsect study allows class to measure accurately

To count the clams the students perform what's called a transect study.  Three lines are laid out down the length of the spit.  Quadrants, roughly ½ meter squares of pvc pipes, are then placed at regular intervals.  The students are instructed to dig 6 - 10 inches within the parameter of the quadrant and record the number of clams, or "steamers" found.  Those measuring more than 2", the size deemed large enough for harvesting, are recorded separately.  The data is brought back to the classroom where the students tally the results to find the population of the entire area.

The Marine Science & Technology class is one of three team-taught classes at DHHS.  Because this class combines the theory of science with the practicality of technology, the students are given a first-hand, and vital, understanding of Madison's unique coastal environment.

Since the class started seven years ago they have planted mature oyster seeds in the Long Island Sound and nurtured oyster seedlings in the Neck River.  They have also constructed a boat for the Madison Shellfish Commission, and this year they will be modifying it by putting in a steering station replacing the current tiller.

Gaggle of geese problem last year as well

The census count supplied by the class, though, will not completely answer whether the beach will be open to clam digging this season.  The Shellfish Commission must also verify the water quality with the Bureau of Aquaculture in Milford.  As with earlier this week, last year the Seaview beach was open only a couple of times because of a gaggle of geese who chose to populate the area.  

The students seemed particularly attuned to the environment and its implications for their project.

When asked why the clams might prefer this particular beach, they remarked upon the rockiness of the sand and concurred that it would protect them from predators. One student explained that these conditions would also guard them from the damage of roiling surf.  Another suggested that because the peninsula is underwater at high-tide it offered them further protection.  

A tremendous service, gaining tremendous knowledge

Steve Nikituk, Chairman of the Madison Shellfish Commission, was undiminished in his praise and respect for Daniel Hand's Marine Science & Technology class, its two teachers, and the students who have been a part of it over the years.  He said some of them have gone on to study marine science or work as interns with the Commission.

Not only are these students doing a tremendous service for the Shellfish Commission and the people of Madison, they're gaining tremendous knowledge about shell fishing and aquaculture in Madison," he said.

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A shell fishing license must be obtained prior to shell fishing.  They are  available at Town Clerk’s office or Captain Morgan's on Boston Post Road.  Before going out, call the Town’s main phone line to find out whether the area is open:  203-245-5600, ext. 3.