Fred Huss often talked about transporting quahaugs out of Sunset Lake by the Oak Bluffs harbor, but state requirements prevented the town from doing so. On Saturday, however, his dream came true, as people gathered for the inaugural Fred Huss Memorial Quahaug Relay to transport quahaugs from the lake to Sengekontacket Pond.

Mr. Huss, who died in June, was a long-time member of the Oak Bluffs Shellfish Department and loved all things shellfish, according to chair of the department Mark Landers.

Another couple for the relay bucket.

Jeanna Shepard

Another couple for the relay bucket.

Jeanna Shepard

“Fred and I were very good friends and we were very passionate about the basic quality of the shellfish,” Mr. Landers said.

Though Sunset Lake is landlocked, there is a pipe under the road that connects the lake to the ocean, according to Oak Bluffs shellfish constable Donovan McElligatt, creating conditions for qauhaugs to exist. However, due to the poor water quality and state guidelines concerning health, people are not permitted to dig for quahaugs there.

“In a case like Sunset Lake, it’s not safe for human consumption straight out of there, but it is a phenomenal growing environment for the clams. The clams are happy,” Mr. McElligatt said.

Mark Landers is ready for transport.

Jeanna Shepard

Mark Landers is ready for transport.

Jeanna Shepard

After the idea of a relay was hatched, the shellfish department worked with the state to improve the water quality in Sunset Lake so it would be safe for humans. The department also sent quahogs samples to Rutgers University to ensure there were no diseases present.

“The hope is that by digging up the bottom in Sunset Lake and getting some of that stock out of there [and into Sengekontacket], it then opens up for that stock that is in Sunset Lake to continue self replicating,” Mr. McElligatt said.

By the first 40 minutes of digging, people were showing off half bushels of quahaugs ready for transport.

Marco Petricone and Donovan McElligatt transfer the quahaugs to Senge.

Jeanna Shepard

Marco Petricone and Donovan McElligatt transfer the quahaugs to Senge.

Jeanna Shepard

Brenda Huss, Fred’s wife, looked on with joy.

“My husband would be so proud for this honor,” she said. “He grew up as a summer kid here and was all about fishing. When he applied for the board and got on several years ago, it was like the proudest day of his life.”

As people headed down to the lake to wade through the mud in search of quahaugs, they stopped and hugged Brenda, sharing memories of her husband. Andy Bowley had never dug for quahaugs before but was suited up in honor of his friend.

“I scallop, I oyster, but I’ve never even touched clams because I don’t like them, but I love Fred, and that’s why I’m here,” Mr. Bowley said.