Fairfield commission approves $2,500 for clam relay, sets June 14 clam clinic and expands permit outreach

John Short, Shellfish Commission member, said the Shellfish Commission approved $2,500 to pay for a clam relay to support the commission’s June 14 Clam Clinic. The motion to allocate the funds passed by voice vote during the commission’s April 9 meeting; commissioners also approved the meeting minutes from March 12, 2025, and later adjourned by voice vote.

The commission said the Clam Clinic is scheduled for June 14, with activities planned from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The clinic will include demonstrations, a chowder vendor, prizes for children and raffle items, and volunteer staffing from conservation seasonal workers and community volunteers. Tim Bishop, Conservation Director, said staff can arrange a police presence for the event: "Yeah. It's no problem," Bishop said, when asked if an officer could be assigned.

Why it matters: the clinic is both an outreach and a fundraising event for the commission’s restoration and permit programs. Commissioners expect the relay — or, failing suitable weather or harvest conditions, purchased market clams — to help seed public beds used during the clinic and for later restoration work.

Discussion and logistics: commissioners discussed outreach to increase shellfish permit purchases tied to Parks and Recreation beach passes. Kendra Wenge, Shellfish Commission member, agreed to draft a one-sheet with a bold call to action and a QR code for placement at Parks and Recreation counters and at the senior center; she said, "Sure. Sure. Absolutely. I'll call Anthony tomorrow." The commission noted that most beach-pass transactions are completed online and asked Parks and Recreation staff for options to add a shellfish-permit checkbox to the online purchase flow.

Staff reported program metrics and budget figures. Tim Bishop said the shellfish fund balance was $30,930.57 as of March 31, 2025, and the commission reported 138 shellfish permits sold as of that date. Commissioners also noted that children 16 and under do not require a shellfish permit.

Restoration and propagation work: commissioners reviewed oyster and spat plans. The commission expects to deploy several spat-collector (spat) units and to run the upweller program beginning in May or June to grow spat to planting size; the upwellers are used to grow tens of thousands of oysters annually until they reach roughly 1–2 inches before planting. Members discussed suitable planting locations (Ash Creek, Mill River, Sasco Beach and others) and the challenges of sand movement and currents at some sites.

Clam relay specifics and vote: commissioners explained that a relay requires closing harvest for two weeks and carries the risk that rain or failing shellfish samples could delay reopening. John Short moved to approve $2,500 for a clam relay; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission recorded the motion as approved and noted the funds will be used if weather and harvester availability permit; if not, the commission may purchase market clams to seed beds prior to the clinic.

Community outreach and materials: commissioners agreed to place printed materials at Parks and Recreation counters, senior centers and other community outlets; to ask local media and school PTAs to promote the clinic; and to seek business donations for raffle prizes and larger donor items. The commission reported 708 Instagram followers on the commission account and discussed recovering or resetting social-media administration access so commissioners can post content and direct subscribers to permit and event information.

Other business: commissioners discussed the Town of Fairfield Shellfish Management Plan (adopted 1987; amended February 2003) and agreed the document should be reviewed and updated before the end of the current year; they suggested coordinating edits with Harbor Management staff and with Jeff Stedman, who has previously worked on related plans. A Boy Scout Eagle project proposing interpretive signage at Ash Creek was also discussed; conservation staff have provided preliminary approval for signs on conservation land and are coordinating design and placement details.

The meeting ended after commissioners moved and voted to adjourn by voice vote.