LIBN 30 UNDER 30 | Biologist | Environmental Specialist | Town of Oyster Bay's Department of Environmental Resources
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Oyster Bay thrived as a key contributor to local economic growth, fueled by its historic shellfish industry. Now, a crucial restoration initiative aims to revive and sustain this legacy. The Harbor served as a primary producer of hard clams and oysters in New York State, contributing a remarkable 90% to the state’s commercial oyster crop, as highlighted in NYSDEC Shellfish Landing Reports. However, the vitality of shellfish populations, particularly oysters, has seen a drastic decline over the past 50 years, resulting in the near complete loss of crucial reef structures. In 2020, the commercial oyster harvest plummeted to less than 1% of the prior 10-year average, and clam harvests declined by 45% compared to the 2010-2019 average. This decline, observed across many Long Island embayments, results from various human-induced factors like stormwater discharges, coastal development, habitat loss, harvest practices, and widespread shellfish predators. To combat this loss, The Town seeds millions of shellfish into Oyster Bay Harbor and the Great South Bay each year. Continuous generations are crucial to re-develop reef systems and to improve water quality. This year, 12 million shellfish (8 million oysters and 4 million clams) were seeded into protected underwater lands for restoration purposes. These efforts have garnered an array of interest from leading institutions and national organizations, fostering partnerships with Stony Brook University, Adelphi University, and the Nature Conservancy. These institutions, along with the Town, recognize the restoration potential of Oyster Bay Harbor, highlighting specific areas where natural spawning is already occurring and room for enhanced habitat. To further support habitat enhancement, the Town initiated a shell recycling program in 2022, collaborating with 15 local restaurants. Over 20,000 pounds of oyster and clam shells have been collected, diverting waste from landfills to create new habitat in targeted areas for shellfish planting. As part of this grant project with Stony Brook University, the Town has allocated a substantial portion of the collected recycled shells for substrate enhancement and the creation of pilot oyster reefs. I'm thrilled, both professionally and personally, to be involved in this exciting opportunity over the next few years. Engaging in this restoration effort is not just a commitment but a chance to make a meaningful difference in the place I call home
We’re partnering with SUNY Stony Brook to revitalize Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor's oyster populations. Our efforts won an award of $477,200 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to put Oysters back in Oyster Bay. Oyster reefs in Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor have faced challenges due to overharvest, habitat loss, and water quality degradation. By working together, we’re rebuilding oyster populations and fostering a more resilient and interconnected ecosystem.
Environmental Engineer 2 at CDM Smith | M.S. in Environmental Engineering
7moMuch needed! Are there any opportunities to volunteer in these restoration efforts? Would love to get my waders on and lend a hand