Moratorium Will Last Six Months
In an effort to study and boost the local clam and oyster population, ]the Oyster Bay Town Board approved a temporary six-month shellfish harvesting moratorium on 1,850 acres of underwater land in Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor. These lands, previously leased and harvested by a commercial shellfish harvesting company, must be studied to understand the impact of decades-long harvesting on the sea bottom while laying the groundwork for repopulating local waters with baby clams and oysters. Annually, the Town of Oyster Bay populates these waters with millions of baby shellfish.
“Friends of the Bay and local environmental groups have all asked for and helped us in this process. This temporary moratorium will help us strengthen the health of the harbor while not impacting any current shellfish harvesting by local baymen on the more than 4,000 acres they currently fish. Harvesting in public waters will continue as currently allowed, with no changes to access or regulations, ensuring that local baymen and recreational anglers/shellfish harvesters can continue their activities without any disruption,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
On October 1, the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Environmental Resources temporarily prevented shellfish harvesting activities on 1,850 acres to comprehensively evaluate bay bottom conditions. Shellfish density and sediment surveys will provide the data-driven foundation for developing effective strategy for all harbor users. Due to lease agreements first entered nearly 100 years ago, the Town of Oyster Bay has been unable to study these underwater lands during the lease period.
The temporary moratorium will provide the necessary time to collect scientific data on shellfish populations, sediment conditions, and overall ecosystem health — critical information that is currently unknown and essential for informed management. Similar moratoriums have been effectively used in other states, such as Florida, Louisiana, and Virginia, to protect marine resources and develop restoration strategies.
To obtain input from residents and environmental advocates regarding this temporary moratorium, the Town Board hosted a public hearing on August 13, 2024. Friends of the Bay, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, and employees from the Department of Environmental Resources expressed support for such a temporary moratorium based on their extensive professional experience in the field.