Long Island Shellfishing Restrictions Lifted

John Mitty Saturday, March 30, 2013

Following Superstorm Sandy, New York authorities imposed higher restrictions on local shellfishing.  The increased restrictions were in effect for five months.  On Friday however, Newday reported that the New York Department of Environmental Conservation will allow shellfishing to resume at the usual levels beginning today.  This is great news for local fishermen who rely on shellfish as a primary source of income.

Why did the Depart of Environmental Conservation need to restrict shellfishing following Hurricane Sandy?  Due to the flooding, septic and wastewater treatment systems discharged some of their sewage content into the areas where shellfish live.  If shellfishers were permitted to catch and sell the shellfish, it would have posed a public health risk since the shellfish would be unhealthy to eat.  The closure affected an area spanning 6,200 underwater acres.  Now that the sewage has had time to flow out of the area, the shellfish are considered healthy for human consumption again.  Professional and sports fisherman will be able to begin catching, selling and eating the shellfish immediately.  Odds are if you are living in Nassau or Suffolk counties, you may notice a slight drop in the cost of shellfish this week as the shellfish become more readily available again at fish markets and restaurants.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

Appears In: Business News

 

 

• Business News
• Education
• Entertainment
• Jobs & Careers
• Local Events
• Local Steals, Deals & More
• Press Releases
• Restaurants & Food
• Sports & Recreation

Columnists John M.   Show all Columnists