Kids Dig Clamming in
Washington County

Press Release—Gulf of Maine, Inc. in Pembroke a local shellfish dealer has harnessed area students to dig clams this summer creating 45+ well-paying part-time jobs. In these locales, hardworking kids took to area mudflats to earn money for their own cell phones, school clothes, classroom supplies and even their upcoming driver’s ed fees.

Tim and Amy Sheehan, owners of Gulf of Maine, Inc. who have 4 kid diggers of their own are very pleased and impressed with the work ethic of the neophyte harvesters. “It’s funny” says Tim – “here we are in the poorest county in Maine with the highest unemployment, but our kids are able to get their clamming licenses and make a $100 bill for a few hours raking through the sand and mud! That sure beats slinging burgers at Mc D’s!” “These kids are making $20 - $50/ hour depending on their efforts – what’s wrong with that”

Most of the students digging clams are completely new to the job and did not grow up in clam digging families. The veteran or senior diggers are to be commended for helping the students learn tricks of the trade. These senior diggers did everything from provide transportation to the beach to help them carry their clams back from the shore and market. Most were very pleased to see the new recruits on the beaches and providing new blood to the industry.

The towns of Pembroke/Perry have an ordinance that requires licenses but other local towns of Eastport, Pleasant Pt., and Robbinston do not – all area towns are open for new licensees – a key component in putting young diggers to work. Most towns limit the number of new diggers and hence keep young people from entering the profession – but not here in Cobscook Bay; thankfully for the young workers sake.

School may be back in session now limiting student’s hours, but many plan to dig clams on weekends and breaks. Some college diggers will drive home for the weekend for the chance to replenish their spending money with a few hundred dollars worth of clam money.