Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Members
- Robert Froncko
Term Expires March 2027 - Kenneth Lowell
Term Expires March 2028 - Maynard Bridges
Term Expires March 2028 - Charles Brown Jr.
Term Expires March 2029 - James Gagne
Term Expires March 2027 - Matthew LeFebvre
Term Expires March 2026 - Michael Yorke
Term Expires March 2026
Overview
The shellfish conservation program for the Town of Wells is administered by the Shellfish Conservation Committee, consisting of five members and two alternates, appointed by the Selectmen. The Shellfish Conservation Committee meets on an as needed basis and is responsible for:
- Establishing annually in conjunction with the Department of Marine Resources the number of shellfish digging licenses to be issued.
- Surveying each clam producing area at least once each three years to establish size, distribution and density and annually estimating the status of the Town's shellfish resources.
- Submitting to the Board of Selectmen proposals for the expenditures of funds for the purpose of shellfish conservation.
- Keeping this chapter under review and making recommendations for its amendments.
- Securing and maintaining records of shellfish harvest from the Town's managed shellfish areas and closed areas that are conditionally opened by the Department of Marine Resources.
- Recommending conservation closures and openings to the Board of Selectmen in conjunction with the area biologists of the Department of Marine Resources.
- Submitting an annual report to the Town and the Department of Marine Resources covering the above topics and all other Committee activities.
Additional Information
The Town of Wells has participated with the Wells Reserve and the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to undertake the proper studies and water quality testing to have a partial area of the Wells clam flats reopen for recreational clamming. Once the clam capital of Maine, the community of Wells has seen its shellfish areas deteriorate over the years. The Wells Clam Commission has worked, with the support of the town, to raise and plant clam seedlings. Currently there is no active crab program.
The Town has invested heavily in the reopening of the clam flats for recreational clamming for the enjoyment of its citizens. License holders are asked to assist the town and its Clam Commission by following guidelines and rules to protect this natural resource:
- The shellfish licenses are issued on the fourth Tuesday in November, for the season when DMR authorizes shell fishing in Wells.
- 90 recreational $30.00 licenses are available for Wells residents (for a limited number of 65 years of age or older, the fees will be waived).
- 15 recreational $60.00 licenses are available to non-residents (for a limited number of 65 years of age or older, the fees will be waived).
- The license fees are non-refundable and go towards supporting the Town’s shellfish management efforts.
- If, on the ninetieth (90) day, following the opening day of sales all the licenses established and allocated pursuant to sub section 190-9(A) have not been issued, any remaining licenses, regardless of category, shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
- One Day Pass Recreational – Resident/Nonresident 10/day passes, combined $15/20
Additional shellfish information, including regulations in Wells, clam maps, clam flats schedule and the Maine Shellfish Handbook can be found here.
Contact
Wells Clam Warden
James Black
207-229-1018
jimhblack@gmail.com