The U.S. state of New York has invested another USD 6.5 million (EUR 5.8 million) in building a new shellfish hatchery facility to support Long Island aquaculture, bringing the state’s total investment to USD 16.5 million (EUR 14.7 million).
“Long Island’s shellfish industry is an important part of our regional economy, maritime heritage, and environmental health,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a release. “This additional investment will help the Town of Islip move forward with a new hatchery that supports local oyster farmers, strengthens our blue economy, and helps protect the waters that make Long Island special.”
The Town of Islip Shellfish Cultivation Facility supplies oyster and clam seed to Long Island aquaculture producers; its seed accounts for roughly 25 percent of all caged oysters harvested in the region. According to the state government, there are 170 shellfish aquaculture operations on Long Island, generating USD 14.5 million (EUR 12.9 million) in sales as of 2022.
The construction of the Town of Islip Regional Shellfish Hatchery will greatly expand production, with officials projecting that the new facility will produce 100 million to 200 million single set juvenile oysters and clams, as well as 500 million oyster larvae and spat on shell oysters. Currently, the Shellfish Cultivation Facility produces 20 million to 40 million clams and oysters.
The state initially announced USD 10 million (EUR 8.9 million) for the facility in 2024, but Hochul said increased construction costs required the additional investment of USD 6.5 million.
“I sincerely want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to Long Island and, especially, for the Town of Islip’s Shellfish Hatchery and the additional USD 6.5 million investment on top of the original USD 10 million to help bring this vital project to completion,” Islip Town Supervisor Angie M. Carpenter said in a release. “Our hatchery supports local oyster growers, strengthens our local economy, and helps restore the health of Great South Bay. This investment is an investment in not only our regional economy but more importantly to our environment and the future of Long Island.”
