| Sea Farms, Inc. Ron Sopko Site Description: The growout location is in Milford Haven in Mathews County on lease #8358. The growout location is adjacent to the seafood plant on the south shore of Milford Haven. The bottom is generally hard sand and gently slopes from 0 to 6 feet mlw. This location is highly protected from all wind directions and has served as a storm refuge for local boaters for many years. Deployment Method: Sea Farms Inc. has a large clam relaying operation, whereby, polluted clams are placed in 3' X 3' rebar and wire cages (with tops) to depurate. The holding portion of the cage is approximately 6" tall covered with 1" coated wire, and are on 6" legs. Each cage has a rope and buoy bridal allowing mechanical lifting by a barge. A barge with A- frame and automatic lifting winch has been constructed to lift the heavy cages and clams for handling. The project oysters will be deployed in bags in these same cages. At final growout densities, each cage will hold approximately 500 oysters. Cages are deployed in approximately 4' mlw and are spaced at least 3 feet apart to allow handling access by the barge. The cages are placed in rows and spaced according to the buoy line at the surface. Emergency Management Plan: The combination of the physical protection from wind in Milford Haven, the hard bottom at the location, and the heavy cages results in a very secure site for storm events. The clam relay cages at this location have never been moved for storm events, and have not been lost nor disturbed over the many years this site has been used. High tides associated with storm events tend to make the cages even more secure. The most significant storm impact to the cages has been the sand covering the legs, but the winch on the barge has been able to lift that additional weight. Cages will be well maintained and tops secured for storm events, but will not be moved. After a storm event, all cages will be inspected for damage. The employees that handle the barge and winch have many years of experience and will require little additional training. Ron Sopko, the owner, will be responsible for overseeing the plan. Winter icing has little or no impact on the submerged clam cages, except for the possible cutting of buoy lines. Clam cages can be relocated with a pole at low tide if buoys are cut. Emergency Contact Information: Ron Sopko - 804-725-9113 |
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