One shining moment known as Clamelot: The Cedar Key story

The heritage and culture of rural communities along Florida's Big Bend coas tline in the Gulf of Mexico have been linked intrinsically a with commercia l fisheries for generations. Over the past decade, closures of oyster harve sting grounds and a state-imposed ban on gill nets triggered economic decli ne and depression in this area. A transition to shellfish aquaculture as an alternative employment opportunity has been facilitated through the recent federally funded, job-retraining programs. Since 1993 when the first progr am graduates were placed with leases, the industry has grown and now suppor ts over 300 hard clam. Mercenaria mercenaria (Linnnaeus, 1758), growout ope rations on 950 acres of state-owned submerged lands with sales (farm gate v alue) estimated at $10 million in 1997. The promise of prosperity has creat ed a new excitement and common bond among the individuals of these communit ies. With a renewed sense of purpose and cohesion, people are working toget her to promote their livelihoods, and above all, to protect the coastal wat ers so critical to the success of these ventures. This revitalization has a lso spurred a reaction and responsiveness to the emergent industry by local governments and by state and federal agencies. Citizens of Cedar Key have formed advisory groups to work closely with elected officials and agency re presentatives in the planning and implementation of a wide range of water q uality activities. These include storm water and wastewater treatment, envi ronmental education, and water quality monitoring programs. Sustainable har d-clam aquaculture operations have proven to be an excellent opportunity to both protect and preserve the region's environmental qualities as well as support economic activity.