HB61

I am writing to show my support for HB61, to form a committee to study the laws of oyster aquaculture. I support the oyster industry because I am an oyster farmer and a member of the NH Shellfish Farmer's Initiative and have become highly invested in NH's locally grown food chain. It is important to support oyster farming because we are supplying our state with a healthy, delicious seafood. A seafood that is not only organically grown and naturally grown, but provides added environmental benefits. Oysters take up important excess nitrogen (among other things) and add to the blue economy of the state. In order for the oyster farming industry to reach its full potential we need a committee to work with the industry to find areas for improvement that can make NH a leader in oyster farming. Great Bay is an special growing area and is shared with both commercial and recreational harvesters, fishermen and women and lobster folk alike. There is also important research by UNH staff and students, The Nature Conservancy and many more helping to keep the bay thriving. My hope is that this committee can be formed to better understand the precious resources oyster farming currently utilizes, the unique needs of the industry to move forward and grow, and can help navigate some of the challenges. Thank you, Laura Brown Owner/operator of Fox Pointy Oysters

I am in favor of this Bill and will begin the process of deliberative planning for the needs and resources to help the NH Shellfish industry to continue to grow and compete in an industry that is reaching a critical juncture in its development. We face considerable competition from ME and MA growers in the marketplace and our challenges, for example basic infrastructure for unloading equipment and offloading gear will become a growing bottleneck. Thank you for considering passage of the bill.

I run an oyster farming operation in Little Bay, NH, and support this bill. Our industry is growing, due to the passion of all involved, but is hampered by a number of logistical and environmental challenges. Like our neighboring states, the estuaries of NH could support a diverse and dynamic range of aquaculture activities, providing jobs and effective resource management. We are lucky to be able to contribute to several oyster reef restoration projects in the bay, and oyster farming has already made a huge contribution to recovering the extensive reefs that used to be prevalent, and played a cornerstone role in the ecosystem, supporting hundreds of other species including those of commercial significance. But, lack of commercial shoreside infrastructure such as docks, boat ramps, access to ice, and gear storage has made it difficult to get product to market effectively, and to thereby keep a business running. Insurance costs and the cost of importing seed from out of state also weigh heavily on the bottom line. Anything we can do to improve access and infrastructure would be welcome, as well as providing opportunities for aquaculture research and restoration. If our goal is to improve the health and vitality of New Hampshire's watersheds, and provide excellent jobs and opportunity, then nothing could be a better fit than an advanced aquaculture industry. Nobody cares more about water quality and environmental protection than the oyster farmers who are out there every day, or makes more of a contribution to restoring the ecosystem to what it was before the extensive residential and commercial development that we see today. NH should encourage the industry as much as possible.

I am writing to show my support for HB61 to a form a committee to study the laws of oyster aquaculture. I support the oyster industry because it has been exponentially growing every year in New Hampshire. The industry has helped increase job opportunities locally. It is important to support oyster farming because it is a very sustainable healthy food source for the seafood industry. Oysters also help filter impaired ecosystems and cleanup local waters.

Oyster Farms not only produce sustainable local food, they also improve water quality, create habitat, remove nitrogen and create jobs. My hope is that this bill will help local community leaders start the conversation about taking advantage of some of the benefits oyster farming produces such as nitrogen credits and in return help the industry by supporting it in ways such as creating commercial access for example. Thank you.

I am writing in support of HB61, which proposes forming a committee to study oyster aquaculture. As a marine ecologist, researcher, and educator, I recognize the significant environmental and economic benefits of oyster farming for New Hampshire’s seafood industry. Beyond being a delicious seafood option, oyster farms enhance water quality and create valuable habitat for fish and other aquatic invertebrates.

I am a shellfish farmer in Little Bay (Great Bay), New Hampshire and I support this bill. Thank you.

NH oyster aquaculture is vital for both economic and ecological reasons, having these committee could really help keep this industry sustainable

I am writing to support HB61 to form a committee on oyster aquaculture. Oysters are a fantastic aquaculture species. Not only are they economically valuable, they are a foundational species, protecting coastline by creating natural shoreline hardening. Oysters have also been shown to increase biodiversity, including fish and other invertebrates. Supporting oyster aquaculture in the area is a sustainable and beneficial way to create more jobs as well.

I am writing to show my support for HB61 to form a committee to study oyster aquaculture. As a marine biologist, I support the oyster farming industry because oyster farms can provide numerous benefits to the environment in addition to being economically beneficial for New Hampshire's seafood industry. I love eating oysters, and the process of oyster production on farms can improve water quality and provide habitat for other important species like fish and aquatic invertebrates.

I am writing to show my support for HB61 to form a committee to study oyster aquaculture. As a biology graduate student at UNH who works closely with oyster farms, I support the oyster farming industry. Oyster farms provide critical ecosystem services including water filtration, flood protection, and habitat for other aquatic organisms. Oysters are also economically beneficial for New Hampshire. I personally enjoy eating oysters and enjoy learning about the oyster industry’s deep roots in our state. I would love nothing more than to see this industry grow and help support our local farmers who add much value to New Hampshire.

I am writing to show my support for HB61 to form a committee to study oyster aquaculture. As a marine ecologist, I support the oyster farming industry because oyster farms can provide numerous benefits to the environment in addition to being economically beneficial for New Hampshire's seafood industry. I love eating oysters, and the process of oyster production on farms can improve water quality and provide habitat for other important species like fish and aquatic invertebrates.