Fairfield Shellfish Commission pushes newsletter, online permits and Clam Clinic outreach

Commission members reported 103 shellfish permits sold year-to-date, with 87 purchased online, and $2,225 collected. Members said online sales appear to be a growing share of total permit transactions, and discussed using the commission’s email list (roughly 300 addresses) plus a QR code in the newsletter to boost renewals and clinic signups.

The commission reviewed edits to a spring newsletter: volunteers language was removed because no volunteer beach-cleanup program is currently active; members agreed to include photos from previous clinics, a word-puzzle feature, and camera-ready copy for the conservation department to distribute. They set an internal goal to circulate the newsletter within two weeks if camera-ready copy is provided.

The Clam Clinic was described in detail: volunteers (including Boy Scouts) will help with setup (arriving around 7:30–8 a.m.), organizers will supply rakes (about 75–100), tents and trailers, and the event will offer free chowder with staff covering costs. Commissioners discussed raffle prize sourcing from local businesses and selling hats and T-shirts to promote the program. The commission stressed outreach to school groups and planned participation in Mill River Wetlands’ May 8 educational event at Ash Creek.