Bill Hamilton is a long-time member and representative of the Brookhaven Baymens' Association (BBA) based in Patchogue, New York. He has been involved in the organization since his time in Islip Town, where he initially participated in the barmen's alliance and collaborated with Brookhaven Town due to their shared work in Brookhaven waters. Hamilton joined BBA in the 1970s when the association primarily focused on clamming issues, particularly related to the use of town lands and underwater areas for clamming and oystering. Throughout his involvement with BBA, Hamilton has been dedicated to addressing various issues concerning prices, reciprocal agreements between Islip and Brookhaven Towns, and license limitations. As an individual, Hamilton has also actively participated in meetings and discussions related to fishing, clamming, crabbing, and shellfish advisory matters at the state level. He attends fishing advisory and shellfish advisory meetings, special meetings organized by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and engages with state assembly members on specific issues.

Scope and Content Note
During the early years of BBA, Hamilton remembers influential figures such as Grant and John Mensal, Doc Murray, and others. The association had a significant membership of around 300 individuals, including part-timers, family members, and concerned citizens. However, over time, the number of active members has dwindled, and currently, only a handful of people remain involved. Hamilton attributes this decline to many people leaving the bay and losing interest in the association's activities. He recalls the clam-related matters dominating the association's focus during the 1970s. Hamilton mentions that most of these meetings take place on Long Island, primarily at DEC facilities in locations such as Belle Meade and Stony Brook. Occasionally, representatives from BBA have traveled to Albany for seafood promotion events and to advocate for issues impacting the bay, such as the Raritan Bay clamming issue. Hamilton has personally met with assembly members, including Edenton and Mazzarelli, to address concerns such as licensing problems that affected many baymen in the area. His efforts resulted in the rectification of license-related issues after a two-year period. Additionally, Hamilton has been actively involved in town-level initiatives, particularly the spawner program aimed at establishing designated areas for clam seeding in the bay. The program involves setting up spots for clam seeding, and the town's appropriation of funds is underway. However, due to some bidding process issues, the project is currently stalled. The spawner program focuses solely on clams, and two zones have been established based on dye tests to determine the spawning areas. The BBA plans to purchase Cherry and Chowder clams for the seeding process. In contrast to Blue Point, another local business, Hamilton expresses skepticism about their investments in seed clams, considering them to be a waste of money. He believes that Blue Point's endeavors are more of a personal project aimed at furthering their own credentials rather than benefiting the overall baymen community. Hamilton contends that the clams they grow are primarily consumed by crabs and that their focus on Notate clams is not representative of the general clamming experience in the area. Overall, Hamilton's involvement with BBA and his personal advocacy efforts reflect his commitment to the interests of the baymen community, ensuring their voices are heard and addressing relevant issues affecting their livelihoods.