Tom’s Cove Shellfishing

Tom’s Cove Shellfishing. Assateague Island National Seashore. Since Colonial times, residents of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands have depended on fish and shellfish for food. By the time of the Civil War, islanders were exporting seafood to Northern cities. Toms Cove, or Chincoteaque, oysters became nationally famous. , , Today, modernized transportation and refrigeration systems have made possible an enlarged market for oysters, clams and crabs. Natural siltation in Toms Cove has caused a decrease in shellfish populations in recent years but local waterman still work a few clam and oyster beds leased from the state of Virginia. Shellfishing remains an important industry in waters around the island. , , (sidebar) , oyster watchhouse , The small building visible on the opposite shore of Toms Cove is an oyster watchhouse used until about 1965. , Oyster bed owners hired watchmen to protect their valuable beds from poachers. By building a small house over the water or beside it, a vigilant watchman could guard his oyster beds day and night. A strong searchlight helped him to spot violators. Today oyster beds are patrolled by individual owners; visitors should not trespass upon them. , , (captions) , Watermen scoop oysters from the bottom with long-handled tongs. , , Recreational shellfishing from National Wildlife Refuge lands can be done only out to the low tide line.