New Islip Town rules limit daily shellfish harvesting
Crew of the fishing boat sort hundreds of fresh oysters pulled from the Long Island Sound. (Oct. 5, 2011) Credit: Steve Pfost
New regulations capping the number of permits for shellfish harvesting in the Great South Bay went into effect Monday in the Town of Islip.
In addition to capping at 50 the number of commercial permits issued annually, Islip Town officials are also establishing a 100 shellfish limit per day for personal permit holders. Additionally, a discounted permit rate has been extended to military members.
The changes, meant to increase shellfish populations and rehabilitate the bay’s water quality, were approved unanimously last month by the Islip Town Board.
“We are taking advanced steps to help the public obtain the permits they need in an orderly and timely manner,” Town Clerk Olga Murray said in a written statement. “We look forward to helping our residents understand and abide by these new regulations.”
Permits can be obtained at the town clerk’s office at 665 Main St.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
Updated now Newsday travel writer Scott Vogel took the ferry over to Block Island for a weekend of fun.
