Basin’s clam diggers form united group

In a general membership meeting attended by diggers from both counties, there was a unanimous vote to rename the Digby County Clam Diggers Association and change its structure so that it equally represents clam diggers from the two counties. Clam Harvesting Area Two also includes Kings County.

Members agreed to have an equal number of directors from each county, as well as a co-chair from each county. With a membership that includes the vast majority of active clam digger in this area, the new organization has a strong mandate to move forward with its agenda.

The primary goal of the organization is to revitalize the clam industry in the Annapolis Basin, says Ken Weir, who was re-elected as co-chair.

“At one time, this basin used to support hundreds of livelihoods in this area. There’s no reason that it cannot be brought back”.

The new board has pledged to work with federal and provincial department and agencies, as well as municipal councils, buyers, First Nations and other community groups to renew the local clam industry.

“Now that we have one strong voice, we can do this much more effectively,” said Weir.

Arthur Bull of the Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre, who helped the group make this transition, said he sees no reason the basin can’t be cleaned.

“The Germans have cleaned up the Rhine. The Brits are catching salmon in the Thames. Surely our government, along with groups like this one, can do the same in the Annapolis Basin.”