Brookhaven Town harbormasters recently conducted shellfish enforcement focusing on the Old Inlet region of Bellport Bay after receiving reports of illegal clamming activities in the area.
Upon arriving on the scene, multiple clammers were checked, resulting in a seizure of approximately six bushels of hard clams (pictured). They were also issued numerous tickets for failing to possess a valid town commercial shellfish permit; non-resident shellfishing in town waters; and possession of undersized hard clams. All the illegally harvested clams were returned to the bay. Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio was on hand to congratulate the harbormasters when they returned.
The Town of Brookhaven has, for many years, provided millions of seed clams and oysters for planting in Bellport Bay, Patchogue Bay and Moriches Bay and more. Brookhaven Town operates one of Long Island’s largest municipal shellfish hatcheries in Mount Sinai Harbor, growing millions of oysters and clams at the facility. These shellfish are planted in bays and harbors throughout the town when they reach maturity to help clean local waters and revive local fisheries.