DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS ReCLAM THE BAY

TOMS RIVER -- For the past three years, Ocean Countians have volunteered to "ReClam the Bay," an environmental program under the guidance of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County.

Volunteers learn about clams and oysters and are trained to care for them in upwellers (clam nurseries) where they are raised from about 2mm (dozens fit on the head of an eraser) to about 12mm in length (about ½ inch.) Volunteers then plant the juvenile clams in the bay in the fall with a protective netting so they can withstand predator attacks. Throughout this process upwellers must be cleaned weekly, checked daily and when planted the screening must be cleaned about every three weeks throughout the spring, summer and fall to reduce biofouling.

Working in teams of three to six at each upweller, volunteers ensure it is clean. They sort through the juvenile clams to get rid of debris and fouling organisms that have invaded the system and grow within it. This can include calcareous worms, mussels and squirts. Volunteers also measure the growth and well being of the clams. Currently there are 35 active volunteers who have worked one or two years in the program. This year's class will add another 25. Throughout the growing season, it is anticipated volunteers will contribute on average 40 volunteer hours in addition to attending an initial eight two-hour classes. Upon conclusion of the season each volunteer is inducted into the Most Noble Order of the Golden Clam. They receive a golden clam pin and a tee shirt with the ReClam The Bay Logo on it.

Volunteers are recruited through publicity and word of mouth. When asked why they are participating, most of the graduates refer to wanting to do something concrete to help improve the condition of the bay and feeling this program has not only increased their knowledge, but made them feel they were giving back something for the enjoyment that they derived from living in the area.

Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the Extension, said, "We really appreciate the dedicated effort of the volunteer corps. Without them a project of this scope would not be possible in Ocean County."

Some upwellers will be available for public viewing as part of the program's environmental involvement program. One will be on July and August Mondays at 1 pm at the Island Beach State Park Marina, located on the Barnegat Bay in Seaside Park, before the entrance to the park.

Those interested in participating in next year's class can contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County at 732-349-1152. They will be put on a list for the 2008 Education Class. Other information about the program can be found at www.reclamthebay.org


VOLUNTEERS -- Class instructors show ReClam the Bay class members a silo from an upweller in which seed clams are raised to juveniles and planted into Barnegat Bay. The class volunteers will maintain the upwellers (clam nurseries) and help with the clam release program. Conducting the session at front of class,from right, are Rich Bushnell, Surf City, a retired business consultant who is a volunteer instructor, Gef Flimlin, Ocean County Marine Extension Agent, Tom Kosiba, Ship Bottom, a retired optics engineer and volunteer teacher and Gustavo Calvo, a representative from the NJDEP Bureau of Shell Fisheries.


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