The town of Essex has realized the importance of the clam problem, and has attempted through legislation to deal with it. The selectmen are empowered to grant to citizens of the town an area consisting of an acre or less on flats already barren, for the purpose of raising clams, and in this manner partially restock the flats. A rental of $2 is charged, covering a period of five years, and an additional fee of 50 cents is required for recording. In spite of inadequate protection, the experiment has been conducted long enough to prove that these flats can be made profitable to the clammers.
The history of the clam industry at Essex is one of extensive decline. There is every reason to believe that the greater part at least of the waste area was once very productive. Prof. James L. Kellogg in the United States Fish Commission Bulletin for 1899, says:—
We have much evidence that the clam industry in Essex has, in the past, been extensive.... Much more testimony of a similar character may be had to show that the flats once very productive have almost entirely failed.
Comparison of 1907 with 1879.
| 1879. | 1907. | |
|---|---|---|
| Production (bushels), | 500 | 15,000 |
| Value, | $4,500 | $12,750 |
| Men, | 75 | 50 |
| Capital, | — | $1,200 |
| Price (cents), | 40 | 85 |
Summary of Industry.
| Number of men, | 50 |
| Capital invested, | $1,200 |
| Production, 1907:— | |
| Bushels, | 15,000 |
| Value, | $12,750 |
| Total area (acres):— | |
| Sand, | 500 |
| Mud, | 125 |
| Gravel, | — |
| Mussels and eel grass, | 25 |
| Total, | 650 |
| Productive area (acres):— | |
| Good clamming, | 150 |
| Scattering clams, | 150 |
| Barren area possibly productive (acres), | 325 |
| Waste barren area (acres), | 25 |
| Possible normal production, | $120,000 |
Gloucester.
The far-celebrated deep sea fisheries of Gloucester overshadow her humble shellfish industry; but within her tidal flats lie undeveloped resources, which if properly brought out would form no inconsiderable factor in her annual revenue. Even now her clam fishery attains considerable proportions, though by no means what it once was, or what it might be were suitable cultural methods employed.