Oyster Bay Named Best Harbor In Mid-Atlantic For 2021 Contest

OYSTER BAY, NY — Oyster Bay is home to the best harbor in the Mid-Atlantic region this year, according to coastal and maritime educational organization U.S. Harbors.

"With 2,500 votes for over 370 harbors, we are so pleased that so many visitors recognize the gem that is Oyster Bay Harbor," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "We have made many efforts to keep the vitality of our harbor, including a highly successful shellfish management program with a hatchery that produces millions of clam and oyster seedlings annually.

"We proudly take part in the SOAR (Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration) program through which we plant tens of thousands of mature oysters, which further helps replenish the supply in our waters while benefitting the local economy," he added. "These initiatives help to naturally clean our waters, absorb wave action for shoreline stabilization, and filer local waterways while spawning additional shellfish."

Started by U.S. Harbors in 2019, the "Best Harbor in the U.S." highlights more than 1,4000 coastal and Great Lakes harbors from March to May of each year. Voters choose their favorite ones.

"The race to the win has traditionally been a nail-biter: the contest truly reflects the pride and passion people feel for their local coastal communities," U.S. Harbors said on its website.

For winning this year's contest for the Mid-Atlantic region, Oyster Bay will receive a commemorative plaque.