1M Oysters Added To Manhasset Bay As Part Of Conservation Effort

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A million spat-n-shell baby oysters were released into Manhasset Bay this month as part of a pilot program for sea life conservation.

Plans to embark on the project first began in January 2020, when North Hempstead Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte started exploring the idea of reintroducing oysters into the bay. The goal was to help with shellfish restoration by establishing oyster beds.

On Aug. 12, one million oysters got to call Manhasset Bay their home.

"The addition of these baby oysters to Manhasset Bay will help improve water quality and clarity over time, as once they are mature, oysters can potentially filter up to 50 gallons of water a day through their feeding process," Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said. "Protecting our natural assets is a top priority for the Town, and I am proud that we are making this investment in the health of Manhasset Bay."

She added: "If this pilot program is successful, this event will hopefully become an annual tradition, as we continue to seed the harbor, adding even more oysters that will foster so many environmental benefits in our waters by removing bacteria."

Dalimonte said the protection and preservation of the local environment is a significant priority to her as an elected official. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, she also said, helped make the initiative a reality.

"Having clean waterways is essential to help reestablish habitats for marine life, improving water quality and so much more," she explained. "Manhasset Bay is a local treasure and acts as a vital ecosystem for marine flora and fauna. What a great way to use natural resources to further help protect our water."