United We Clam: Traders Cove Nursery, Sculpture Unveiled In Brick

Brick, NJ -- The newest clam and oyster nursery and upweller is open to the public, after ReClam the Bay and Brick Township officials gathered for ceremonies Tuesday night at Traders Cove Marina.

Central to the opening was the unveiling of a Giant Clam painted by art students from Brick Township and Brick Memorial high schools.

"Like a clam, Brick Township has two equal halves when it comes to high schools," said Charlie Brandgt, spokesman for ReClam the Bay. "While each half represents their school, both show the relationship of their schools to Barnegat Bay."

A committee of judges headed by Mayor John G. Ducey each picked their favorite from three designs for each school, he said.

Ducey and the Township Council joined in the unveiling of the clam Tuesday night. It is one of about 35 surrounding the bay and is part of the Clam Trail Map, an environmental treasure hunt that has won the Governor's Award for Environmental Tourism.

"Thanks to the efforts of the ReClam the Bay organization, Traders Cove will now be a place for guests of all ages to understand the important role that clams and other organisms play in the health of the Barnegat Bay," the township said in a Facebook post about the event.

Nearly 70 people attended the dedication and checked out the upweller, which will be open to the public on Wednesday mornings for those curious about tracking the growth of the clams and oysters.

For the balance of the summer, shellfish gardeners will be available each Wednesday at 10 a.m. for visitors to visit the babies and watch them grow. Those interested can also join in with ReClam The Bay to help care for the approximately 100,000 clams that will be in the nursery.

"Just show up and say you want to help," Brandt said.