Bayman facing trespassing charge says dredging hurting ecosystem

<p>A longtime bayman from Nassau County turned himself in early Saturday morning to face trespassing charges.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 30, 2017, 4:48 PM

Updated 2,567 days ago

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A longtime bayman from Nassau County turned himself in early Saturday morning to face trespassing charges.
Robert Wemyss claims the shellfish company, Frank M. Flower and Sons Inc., has been using a hydraulic dredge to harvest clams in Oyster Bay. He says that stirs up sediment, which kills shellfish in other parts of the bay where fishermen earn a living.
Wemyss allegedly trespassed onto private property to take pictures of the machine he claims is being used to dredge the bay, which he says is hurting his business and the surrounding ecosystem.
"This is not just about clams, it's about the environment," Wemyss said. “The discharge they create is a violation of the Clean Water Act that calls for a $10,000 a day fine. So, I'm not all that worried about the maximum that they can charge me with here."
Wemyss was given an appearance ticket and is expected to appear in court Oct.13.
Frank M. Flower and Sons Inc. refused to speak to News 12 for a comment.