New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Passes Laws to Help North Fork Shellfish Populations

Baymen now have more opportunity to harvest local shellfish.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced earlier this week that underwater sections of Hashamomuck Pond in Southold, Kings Creek in Flanders and , previously closed to shellfishing, are now open for digging.

The decision came after those areas were determined to have improved water quality conditions from years past, said a statement from These changes affect the following areas:

• The northern portion of Long Creek in Hashamomuck Pond in Southold: 18 acres are now open to shellfishing from Dec.1 through April 30.
  
  
• The northern portion of Mattituck Creek in Mattituck:  40 acres are now open to shellfishing from Jan. 15 through April 15.

• The mouth of Kings Creek in Flanders Bay in Riverhead: 10 acres are now open to shellfishing year-round.

“This truly is an economic and environmental victory for local shellfish harvesters and the Riverhead and Southold communities,” Assemblyman Losquadro said. “Many residents from these towns make a living by . By certifying more areas for digging, the DEC has helped to strengthen the region’s economy.”

Jim Gilmore, director of the Bureau of Marine Resources for the DEC, said the new marine resources are the result of a variety of environmental projects that have taken place over recent decades to protect and restore New York’s coastal waters.

“Opening these valuable beds around Long Island is not only a big win for commercial and recreational shellfishing, but also an economic boost for the industry and towns in these areas,” he said.

Riverhead and Southold residents who currently hold a New York State shellfish diggers permit will be receiving a “Notice to Shellfish Harvesters” from the DEC in the mail advising them of the changes.