Clam diggers now speaking with a united voice

For the first time in more than 50 years, clam harvesters from Digby and Annapolis counties in Nova Scotia will speak with a united voice. The groups have joined the form the Clam Harvesting Area Two (CHA2) Clammers Association.

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 both Digby and Annapolis Counties. Clam Harvesting Area Two includes Digby, Annapolis and Kings Counties.

The members voted to change the by-laws so that there will be 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 diggers in the 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.

“At one time this basin used to support hundreds of livelihoods in this area- there’s no reason that it cannot be brought back,” said Ken Weir, who was re-elected as vice-chair.

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.

Clammers playing a role in conservation is nothing new.

“The historical record shows that going back decades, clam diggers have been working on re-seeding, beach enhancement and other conservation work,” said Mary McWhinney, one of the new directors of the association. “Our new organization is continuing this tradition, now with the support of diggers in both counties.”

Arthur Bull of the Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre, who helped the group make this transition said, “There’s no reason the basin can’t be cleaned up. The Germans have cleaned up the Rhine. The Brits area catching salmon in the Thames. Surely our government, along with groups like this one, can do the same in the Annapolis Basin.”