NEW YORK'S HARD CLAM INDUSTRY (cont.)
OUTLOOK AND OPPORTUNITIES
Overall, two related issues, resource availability and water quality, appear to be of most concern to the hard clam industry. However, there is optimism for the future as water quality in many areas around Long Island continues to improve. For example, Charlie Murphy, President of the North Shore Baymen's Association is cautiously optimistic about the future and recent improvements in water quality. He commented that "efforts like the Long Island Sound Study to educate the public on water quality issues are important, and the recent improvements in water quality have helped baymen and the hard clam resource in Long Island Sound". Other baymen, baymen's organizations, and dealers have also seen improvements in recent years and expressed optimism for the future of New York's hard clam industry.
New York's hard clam industry has stabilized somewhat after the significant fluctuations that occurred in both production and consumer demand for clams in the 1980s. While some baymen express frustration about the difficulties in making a living in the 1990s compared to a decade ago, many baymen have found opportunities to continue to make a living on the water by diversifying and selling some of their products directly. Clam dealers and wholesalers are encouraged about the future because of stronger market conditions and new market opportunities. Important industry issues and challenges are related to changing market conditions, competition between supply sources such as transplanted clams, increasing production of wild and cultured clams in other states or regions, and changes in management and handling and distribution regulations.
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