Comment from Ailes, Marilyn

The area under consideration is supported by a number of economic sources, most of them dependent on the sea. Tourists are a major source of income, with fishing off the coast for the 'big ones' a major draw. The largest town on the Shore is Chincoteague, which is dependent on tourism. That industry would take a major hit if this proposal is allowed to proceed. Most of the tourists come for the beach, its clean waters and white sands. Dredging just offshore couldn't possibly leave the beach untouched by materials stirred up from the bottom and left on the beach by the tide. Another major industry in the area is aquaculture. Needless to say, dredging would release not only clouds of debris but hazardous chemicals as well. Even clean clouds of debris would coat the oysters and clams being raised for sale, essentially asphyxiating them. Much of the coastline is preserved by The Nature Conservancy or The Fish and Wildlife Service. Per Irvin Ailes, once the head biologist as Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, this area is the longest wild beach left on the East Coast. Much of it was preserved because oceanic storms wiped out attempted development. These barrier islands, and the bays behind them, serve as breeding areas for numerous species, many of them of economic importance. Preservation has eliminated a major liability for disaster services. In its place is an important asset for watermen and tourists. Debris stirred up by dredging would not just eliminate habitat for economically important benthic species. It would also foul the habitat needed for species which breed or grow to harvest size on or behind the barrier islands. The Eastern Shore is a special area. Some things are more important than money. Please don't destroy the livelihood of hard-working residents just because there may be enough special minerals to enrich a distant class of wealthy entrepreneurs.