No Fluke

Shellfish aquaculture more popular than ever

By Captain Dave Monti
Posted 1/28/16

I like to shellfish and enjoy cooking and eating what I catch with family and friends.  

When my son was nine years old he would insist I bring a knife with me when quahogging so I could …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
No Fluke

Shellfish aquaculture more popular than ever

Posted

I like to shellfish and enjoy cooking and eating what I catch with family and friends.  

When my son was nine years old he would insist I bring a knife with me when quahogging so I could open a few quahogs for him to eat while on the water.  I also had a scallop license for fifteen years on Nantucket where I would scallop recreationally on the weekends through the winter months.  So it was no surprise to my wife when I shared my desire to attend the Applied Shellfish Farming course at Roger Williams University.

This Monday about 84 participants (more than ever) sat for the first class, an overview of the course work given by Dr. Dale Leavitt of Roger Williams University.  

The reason why students were attending were as varied as you might think. 

"I work for an oyster farm now and want to learn more." 

"I'm a shell fisherman and want to learn. I think aquaculture might be the future."

 "We live on the Barrington River and have a dock and want to grow oysters to help clean the River so we can someday shellfish there."

The common thread with me and my fellow students was the excitement and fascination with aquaculture.  A desire to learn about what makes shellfish grow and a sense of hope that aquaculture could be one of the primary nutritional sources for mankind as we move through this century.

The program will last fourteen weeks into the spring and cover such topics such as biology, siting a farm, deceases, marketing your farm as well as special classes devoted to individual species such as scallops, mussels, quahogs and oysters.

Roger Williams University and Dr. Leavitt must be doing a great job with the course as many students said they were refereed by others that had taken the course.  Many of those in attendance worked for other universities, state and federal agencies like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service… all just wanting to learn more about shellfish farming.  

The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) considers the course an unofficial requirement for prospective shellfish farmers. Aspects of the course are also required for individuals wishing to apply for a Recreational Aquaculture Permit in Rhode Island.

More on shellfish farming and the program as I attend class throughout the winter and spring. 

Fly fishing the cinder worm hatch

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with RI Department of Environmental Management, announced its annual Cinder Worm Workshop.  This is the program's seventh year and it will include two weekday evening classes in fly tying instruction and one weekend evening of fly fishing. The program is free to registrants. 

The course syllabus includes practical rigging and fly casting instruction for the novice on the day of fishing. Students will then fish the coves and shore line of Grassy Point area at the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.  "We can't guarantee the weather or the fish," said Dave Pollack, noted local fishing guide and one of the principal organizers, "but past experiences have shown that this is prime time for worm sightings."  

The program is open to any adult or accompanied child over the age of 12, regardless of skill level--40 maximum.  Instruction and guidance will be provided by some of the area's most proficient and knowledgeable worm fishermen.   Also this year is the opportunity for kayak fishing - limited to experienced kayakers who have their own vessel. Proper safety equipment is required plus lights for navigation.  

All fly tying materials will be provided.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own tools and equipment, but all necessary fly tying tools and equipment will be loaned to registrants upon request. Saltwater fly fishing equipment, including rods, reel, lines and leaders, will be loaned to registrants who do not have their own gear and tackle. There will also be a limited number of chest waders available.

The Fly Tying classes will be held Tuesday, May 3rd and May 10th. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the 

Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown.  The Fly Fishing portion of the program will take place Saturday, May 14th, 4:00 p.m. until dark at Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown.

Capt. Ray Stachelek and Dave Pollack, fly fishing experts and USFWS Volunteers will facilitate the program. For information or to register contact Neil Anthes 401-364-9124, extension 43 or email at Neil_Anthes@fws.gov. 

Where's the bite

Party boats sailing for cod fish at this time include the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com , the Seven B's (with Capt. Andy Dangelo at the helm) at www.sevenbs.com, and the Island Current at www.islandcurrent.com .

Captain Dave Monti has been fishing and shell fishing for over 40 years. He holds a captain's master license and a charter fishing license. Visit Captain Dave's No Fluke website at www.noflukefishing.com or e-mail him with your fishing news and photos at dmontifish@verizon.net.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here