Farmingville, NY - On October 25, Councilman Michael Loguercio (third from right in both photos) was joined by the Friends of Bellport Bay at the Bellport Dock to plant 50,000 oysters, thus completing the five-year goal of planting 1 million oysters in the bay. The Councilman, who had the honor of planting the last of the oysters, thanked the volunteers for their efforts to help restore the shellfish population in the bay. Over the last five years, the Friends of Bellport Bay’s interns and hundreds of local volunteers and supporters have donated their time and funding to accomplish the task. Oysters and hard-shelled clams provide crucial environmental benefits by filtering algae, which bloom when there is excessive nitrogen and other organic compounds in the water. The removal of these algal blooms increases both the clarity and the overall quality of the water. These shellfish, once matured, also provide shelter for other small organisms which entice larger fish to the area, promoting biodiversity in the bay.
Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “Oysters play such a big role in keeping our waterways clean by filtering as much as 50 gallons of water a day and reversing the damage done by years of over-harvesting, neglect and pollutants. Working with the Friends of Bellport Bay, we have established a partnership with a natural plan to filter the water and do whatever is needed to preserve it for years to come.”
Councilman Loguercio said, "Our waterways are a very important resource and we should continue the hard work of doing all we can to protect them. I was excited to have the opportunity today to be part of this wonderful accomplishment. I know the Town of Brookhaven is very happy to continue working with such passionate people who are great environmental stewards. Thank you once again to our friends and partners with the Friends of Bellport Bay.”
