Coastal Rivers and oyster growers partner for river clean-up

Despite cool weather and drizzle, Damariscotta River oyster growers partnered with Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust staff and volunteers for a successful river clean-up on May 17.

“A clean estuary is key to the health of the river and to the aquaculture industry,” observed Executive Director Steven Hufnagel. “We all share a commitment to environmental stewardship of the river.”

A total of six boats carrying oyster growers and Coastal Rivers staff and volunteers deployed to various points between the Damariscotta-Newcastle bridge and Glidden Ledge. The trash they collected in just two and a half hours filled a large-body truck.
The clean-up was a precursor to the Damariscotta Oyster Celebration taking place on June 13 to 15, which concluded with the Can-Am Shuck Star Competition and Oyster Party at Coastal Rivers’ Round Top Farm on June 15.