Restore New York Shellfish is a leading program to maximize local shellfish production on Long Island and New York City, and to establish new restoration sites in strategic embayments. This effort will build upon the existing, robust private and commercial shellfish industry.
This ambitious effort will:
- help improve water quality,
- restore shellfish populations and biodiversity, and
- create new jobs and educational opportunities for more resilient coastal communities.
Long Island Shellfish Restoration Project (LISRP)
The Long Island Shellfish Restoration Project (LISRP) established five shellfish sanctuary sites that are to be stocked with juvenile and adult shellfish. DEC is working in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Stony Brook University, municipalities, local businesses, and volunteer organizations to produce, plant, and monitor shellfish and water quality enhancement throughout the project.
The restoration project provides a unique opportunity to obtain biological and environmental information on shellfish growth, survival and spawning success, and to monitor the effect on water quality, phytoplankton uptake and filtration and nitrogen cycling and removal. The results of the project will guide and support the success of future restoration efforts on Long Island.
Sanctuary sites are located in Bellport Bay, Huntington Harbor, Shinnecock Bay, South Oyster Bay, and Hempstead Bay. View the map of shellfish sanctuary restoration areas (PDF).
Applying for Shellfish Permits
In order to attain these goals, new and enhanced hatcheries and shellfish restoration sites will need to be developed. To assist applicants in getting permits for these activities, as well as for existing private and commercial producers, DEC has established a one stop shop to streamline permitting. A Shellfish Ombudsman will be located in the Region 1 (Stony Brook) Environmental Permits office. They can be reached at 631-380-3311. Below are links to the types of permits we anticipate you will need.
To start you will need:
Depending on the specifics of your project you may also need permits from:
- DEC Division of Environmental Permits,
- NYS Department of State,
- Army Corps of Engineers, or
- the Town of Municipality where your project takes place.