Readers of this column appreciate the importance of clean water. From the glass we put to our lips and extending to the waters that surround the islands, water is literally and figuratively life!
When I got the news from Sarasota Bay Watch Program Director Ronda Ryan that they were kicking off a new phase of their clam restoration project, I was eager to learn more. When I heard that my friend and fellow advocate Nanette O’Hara had coined the term “CLAMpaign,” I was assured of the success of the program and eager to help. The current CLAMpaign is working to raise $100,000 to purchase and release 1 million clams into Sarasota Bay.
A reason SBW chose clams was their resilience to red tide, their long life span and their water filtering capabilities. Sarasota Bay Watch plans to extend its impact with the filter feeders to the north and the south of Sarasota Bay. Experimental test sites are being utilized to determine new release sites. Scientist recommendations and historical local maps of shellfish presence are assisting in the site locations. The release sites have also supported ongoing research into marine species activity and predation. Local students have utilized the project for additional studies and research. Community involvement raises water quality awareness and reinforces personal responsibility to take care of our water. Sarasota Bay Watch is community-supported and volunteer-fueled.
With the extraordinary decrease in seagrass, SBW feels it is important to act now to improve the water and benthic condition of the bay to aid in seagrass recruitment. Clams filter water and help to remove excess nitrogen, the major cause of harmful algae blooms like red tide.
Sarasota Bay Watch is an organization built upon action. They are taking action now before the situation gets any worse. Throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, SBW had to cancel many activities but was able to get clams into the water to improve the quality and health of the bay 24/7.
Sarasota Bay Watch is currently awaiting approval for a local lease to grow the clams for their projects, which will make the cost of restoration cheaper while reducing stress on the shellfish. The goal is for the clams to start spawning, increasing their numbers and repopulating a depleted bay.
“These are native clams that use to be abundant here. There are many stories of people clamming for their dinner. Our clams are not being restored for commercial purposes,” said Ryan.
CLAMpaign for Clean Water aims to improve the health and resilience of our water. A healthy bay will support abundant fish populations and the economy of a community that depends upon its water. The monetary benefits of protecting and supporting Sarasota Bay are immeasurable.
To join SBW in their CLAMpaign for Clean Water, go to www.sarasotabaywatch.org. Ryan can be reached at 941-232-2363.
