Babylon/Islip - Great South Bay
Pursuant to the provisions of 6NYCRR 47.3(b), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in cooperation with the Towns of Babylon and Islip, will initiate a conditional shellfish harvesting program for a portion of the uncertified shellfish lands in Great South Bay. In order to take advantage of this program, please read the following:
1. Program Duration:
This program will be in effect from January 7, 2008, through March 29, 2008 (both dates inclusive).
2. Conditional Harvesting Area Description (please note all exceptions remain Uncertified):
All the uncertified area of Great South Bay west of Conklin Point (immediately east of the northern base of the Robert Moses Causeway Bridge) lying south and east of a line extending westerly from the house at 164 Secatogue Lane West, West Islip (located south and east of the entrance to Willetts Creek) to the southeasternmost point of land at Sampawams Point, proceeding westerly to the southwesternmost point of land at Sampawams Point, then proceeding southeasterly to the westernmost point of land at Grass Island.
EXCEPT all creeks, canals and tributaries.
3. Conditions To Be Met:
When not more than 0.25 inches of precipitation is recorded in each of seven successive days, the area may be designated as "certified" (open) for the harvest of shellfish on the eighth day. The area may remain "certified" until more than 0.25 inches of precipitation is recorded within a 24 hour period.
4. Daily Public Notification:
Each day beginning at 8:00 AM, Monday - Saturday, a recorded message announcing the status of the area as Open or Closed can be reached at: 631-893-1074.
A copy of the order opening or closing the area will be posted at the NYSDEC, Marine Resources Office, East Setauket.
Telephone calls regarding the program can be made to the Town of Babylon after 9:00 AM at 631-422-7640 or to NYSDEC after 8:30 AM at 631-444-0475.
Please note that the area is CLOSED until the status of the area is announced.
5. Special Notes:
This conditional shellfish harvesting program may be suspended, revised or terminated at any time if water quality is determined to be in contravention of the bacteriological standards for certified shellfish lands or if any other condition is found to exist which may be a threat to public health.
It has been determined that runoff from snow melt can affect the conditional area; therefore, the area will close whenever significant runoff is caused by snowfalls of 3 inches or greater.
The Towns of Babylon and Islip do not allow shellfish harvesting on Sundays.
Map is for Reference Only