Shellfish Resources - Information, Assistance and Funding

Many agencies, organizations and institutions provide landowners and municipalities with additional information about the shellfish resource and its significance to local economies. Technical assistance and funding may be available to support actions that improve water quality.

Maine Department of Marine Resources

• Industry and historic information
• Municipal resources for shellfish ordinances and management
• Shellfish Advisory Council focuses on management and industry concerns
• Shellfish and invasive species information
• Shellfish closures and classifications

The supervisor of the Municipal Program is also the Area Biologist in Washington County: contact information.

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention

With the mission to minimize health and safety hazards associated with improperly installed subsurface wastewater disposal systems for disposal of human waste (septic systems), this agency assists municipal officials with addressing failing septic systems that can contribute bacteria to shellfish flats.

• Contact your local plumbing inspector first
• Contact information for the Subsurface Wastewater Unit

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

This agency aims to abate and prevent water and land pollution. Resources are available for municipal officials, owners of overboard discharges (OBD) and landowners in the watersheds of shellfish flats. These pages include contact information.

• Landowner nonpoint source pollution and vegetation buffer resources
• Municipal wastewater discharges, and funding for wastewater facilities and projects
• Newsletters
• OBD regulations and funding 
• Small Community Grants for malfunctioning septic systems that impact shellfish flats
• Shoreland Zoning regulations and resources

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry 

This agency assists municipal planners, farmers and landowners to ensure water quality is protected. These pages include contact information.

• Agricultural Compliance Program investigates complaints and provides BMP information
• Maine Coastal Program administers multiple grants and the Working Waterfront Initiative
• Municipal Planning Assistance Program provides planning expertise
• Nutrient Management Program assists farmers with plans and compliance
• Full list of grants
• List of local soil and water conservation districts, which: hold workshops, set up demonstrations, offer educational programs, review development plans and set priorities for one-on-one technical assistance.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

The National Conservation Practice Standards list information and choices for choosing management strategies best suited for each farm.

• NRCS provides technical assistance and funding opportunities
• The local Soil and Water Conservation District helps with developing conservation plans

The District Conservationist for NRCS is also the local SWCD contact for Washington County: contact information.

GroWashington-Aroostook

The Water Infrastructure Investment project includes a new resource for municipalities, the Decentralized Wastewater Systems manual, as an alternative to centralized sewage disposal systems.

• This organization is working toward economically stable communities
• Additional information can be obtained from the organization's lead team: contact information

Maine State Housing Authority

The Home Repair Program provides information, and contact information, about grants and loans available to low-income homeowners, which could be used for septic system repairs.

USDA Rural Development Program

Water and waste disposal direct loans and grants are used to develop water and waste disposal systems in rural areas. Funds are available to public bodies, non-profit corporations and tribes. 

Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education

Emerging from the clam flats in Washington County, this institute is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of coastal Maine, and operates out of Beals.

• Spreading clam seed (young clams) on the flats is one conservation activity. George Protopopescu takes orders: contact information 
• Educational resources are available, as well as pictures from recent projects. Collen Haskall is the Institute's Curriculum Consultant: contact information
• Research projects and publications are listed. Dr. Brian Beal is the Director of Research: contact information

Maine Clammers Assoication

While based in Freeport, this group provides voice to the clammers and resources for communities.

• Water quality concerns and actions
• Culture of clamming and the clam economy
• News and events around soft-shell clams

Maine Sea Grant

Supporting research and discourse on shellfish is one way this program extension of the University of Maine works on issues of concern to Maine's coastal communities.

• Maine Seafood Guide provides information about soft-shell clams and the clamming industry in Maine.
• The Maine Clam Handbook is a resource for municipalities and shellfish conservation committees.
• Property Owner's Guide is a web resource about resources and regulations applicable to Maine's coast.
• Waterfront planning resources are available for municipalities.

For information about projects and events Downeast, contact the marine Extension Team in Eastport.

Downeast Fisheries Trail

This project connects people to historic and activite fisheries sites.

• Sites listed include coves and groups important to the clamming industry and culture of Downeast.
• Fisheries Then provides a history on the clamming industry, culture and continued management of the resource.
• Events bring people together to celebrate the fisheries culture of Downeast, Maine.

Down East Resource Conservation and Development

This collaboration takes on projects that address economic development, education, recreation, sustainable tourism and more. 

• One project includes the Maine Seafood Alliance, which represents and advocates for all aspects of the seafood industry in Maine.
• Contact the council or sponsors for more information.

 

FB Environmental

This organization is pioneering the use of pollution sniffing dogs. At that link, you can watch a video on canine detection and find contact information.