Shellfish commission reallocates $2,500 relay funds to market clam purchase

On May 14, 2025, the Fairfield Shellfish Commission voted to reallocate a previously approved $2,500 relay budget to a market purchase of clams, citing poor field conditions that make a relay impractical now.

Commissioner Bruce Kiefner said, "I move that we allocate the $2,500 for relay. We change that to a market buy in light of conditions." Commissioners seconded the motion and the vote carried; the motion was approved by voice vote.

The commission discussed recent weather and low clamming pressure, with one member noting that clam availability likely fell during a wet April and that a planned relay would require a two-week closure that the group did not want to extend. Commissioners agreed a market buy gives flexibility: the money can be used "up to" the full $2,500 depending on what clams vendors can supply.

Commissioners also noted that the clinic (the commission's public clam clinic) remains the nearest scheduled event to distribute clams or measure demand and that, if conditions allow after July 4, the commission would consider doing a relay later in the season.

Clarifying details discussed at the meeting included past market-buy amounts (commissioners said they normally spent $1,500–$2,000 on market purchases in prior years) and that the new motion authorizes spending up to $2,500 rather than mandating the full amount be used. No additional ordinance or statutory authority was referenced in the discussion.

The commission did not attach conditions or amendments to the motion; next steps are logistical (finding available clams and scheduling delivery) and will be handled by staff and volunteers ahead of the clinic and summer season.