My interest in shellfisheries stems from 13 years working self-employed in the business. I got out of it in 1993, when the clam population had crashed, but I remember mention of a depuration plant then. There's mention of it in this honorarium from the Division of Fish & Wildlife that follows. The death of Walter A. Hughes III doesn't appear to bode well for the business, given the void that might follow after all of his singular accomplishments.
We are sad to report the passing of current Atlantic Coast Shellfisheries Councilman, respected bayman and commercial shellfisherman, Walter A. Hughes III on March 6.
Walter began his career working with lobsters, scallops and later clams. In 1992, he and his partners opened the Clean Water Clam Depuration plant in Sea Bright, which allowed clams to be harvested from closed waters. This venture employed many shellfishermen since that time. He was involved in opening a second plant in 1995, J.T. White, in Highlands. Walter also owned and operated United Seacoast Corporation, a seafood distribution company.
Dedicated to the viability of the baymen he represented and the sustainability of marine resources, Walter served for 32 years on the Shellfisheries Council representing Monmouth County. He was first appointed to the Council in December, 1987, by then Governor Thomas Kean. During his tenure, Monmouth County waters supported a robust hard clam depuration and relay harvest which provided economic opportunities to New Jersey’s shellfishermen. Over his tenure on the Council, Mr. Hughes was also very active in ensuring access to all marine resources for New Jersey’s citizens and maintaining a viable shellfish industry.
Walter was 68 years old and leaves behind a loving wife, a son and a daughter. Please hold Walter's family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.
Obituary
We are sad to report the passing of current Atlantic Coast Shellfisheries Councilman, respected bayman and commercial shellfisherman, Walter A. Hughes III on March 6.
Walter began his career working with lobsters, scallops and later clams. In 1992, he and his partners opened the Clean Water Clam Depuration plant in Sea Bright, which allowed clams to be harvested from closed waters. This venture employed many shellfishermen since that time. He was involved in opening a second plant in 1995, J.T. White, in Highlands. Walter also owned and operated United Seacoast Corporation, a seafood distribution company.
Dedicated to the viability of the baymen he represented and the sustainability of marine resources, Walter served for 32 years on the Shellfisheries Council representing Monmouth County. He was first appointed to the Council in December, 1987, by then Governor Thomas Kean. During his tenure, Monmouth County waters supported a robust hard clam depuration and relay harvest which provided economic opportunities to New Jersey’s shellfishermen. Over his tenure on the Council, Mr. Hughes was also very active in ensuring access to all marine resources for New Jersey’s citizens and maintaining a viable shellfish industry.
Walter was 68 years old and leaves behind a loving wife, a son and a daughter. Please hold Walter's family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.
Obituary
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