Why are clams important? They are 'filter feeders,' which means they clean the water in which they live. For example, scientists believe that the Chesapeake Bay's once-flourishing clam and oyster population historically filtered the estuary's entire water volume of excess nutrients every three or four days. Today that process would take almost a year, and sediment, nutrients, and algae can cause problems in local waters. Bivalves (clams, oysters, etc) filter these pollutants, and either eat them or shape them into small packets that are deposited on the bottom where they are harmless.
ReClam the Bay (RCTB) is a local non-profit environmental organization that promotes environmental involvement and education in a constructive and helpful way. They grow and maintain millions of baby clams and oysters. As they grow seed clams and oysters to stock our local bay they teach everyone how important and fragile the shellfish population and our environment really is.
ReClam The Bayis an organization dedicated to providing education and awareness about the environmental benefit of shellfish filtering, feeding and cleaning our estuary. Thier mission is to involve the general public so they will understand that the quality of the water in our estuary, and the quality of the shellfish we eat, are really their responsibility. By involving the public in the care, feeding and life cycle of these fragile creatures they believe that our citizens will better understand how working with the shellfish can help to clean up our environment and keep it clean. RCTB has been granted 501 (c) 3 nonprofit status.
If you would like to learn more about the organization and its mission, or how you can become a Certified Shellfish Gardner, visit the Open House on April 26 at 7 p.m. Set aside the date and have an enjoyable evening with a fun group of people. The Open House will be held at the Ocean County Agriculture Station, Route 527, Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ. For details, or the speakers bureau call RCTB at 732-349-1152.
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