A proposal to build an oyster farm in the Big Bay area of Masonboro Island received some support on Tuesday, Sept. 1 during a public hearing for the project’s lease.
In a brief public hearing before the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries that lasted less than 10 minutes, there were no public objections to the project, with some people supporting the oyster farm that would be built by Tim Holbrook of Kure Beach. Big Bay is located on Masonboro Island approximately across the Intracoastal Waterway from Whiskey Creek.
The two and one-half acre farm would house 1 million full-grown oysters, Holbrook said, cleaning 50 gallons of water a day.
“They act as a giant water filter,” he said. “And it’s not taking anything from the water.”
Holbrook said the oyster farm would be only the 26th of its type in the state. And while there currently aren’t any projects of this type near Masonboro Island, there is a similar project near Zeke’s Island in the Fort Fisher area.
Al Smeilus, who lives on Masonboro Sound, said the farm will only enhance the water quality.
“Right now, these waters are pristine, and we want to keep them that way,” he said.
Monica Catanach, of Wilmington, said she studied oysters at University of North Carolina Wilmington and supports the project.
“Oysters improve the water quality,” she said. “They eat all the bits and pieces in the water.”
Holbrook said the technology behind oyster farming had improved. The breed he would grow is disease tolerant and can be harvested throughout the year, instead of only during limited periods. Additionally, these oysters would be “an off-bottom culture” in elevated stands or cages.
Smeilus said North Carolina state officials were supportive of the project, especially since neighboring states like Virginia were increasing their oyster production through modern oyster farming techniques.
“They want to get on board with a good, working program,” he said.
With the public hearing concluded, Steve Murphey, of the Division of Marine Fisheries, said the lease proposal would be sent back to the agency for final review before approval. Though public comments have closed, Murphey said the lease can be protested up until the time it is issued.
If the lease is approved, the lease holder will have 90 days to survey the area, which will also be reviewed by the division. Following that step, the lease holder will then have to pay the $100-per-acre yearly rent on the leased area, part of a contract that is good for five years.
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