Southampton Town Kicks Off New Scallop Initiative in Hampton Bays

Members of the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program and Southampton Town officials gathered recently for an inaugural “bay scallop toss” to mark the beginning of a new bay scallop program made possible through the town’s Community Preservation Fund program.

A grant of $579,528 was awarded to the marine program to enable the expansion of shellfish and habitat restoration in town waters, in addition to creating community stewardship opportunities for involvement in this work based out of the Tiana Bayside Facility in Hampton Bays.

According to town officials, the project will pave the way for a bay scallop nursery to be established at the Tiana Bayside Facility and is the first restoration effort of its kind in Southampton Town. After their time in the nursery system, the bay scallops will ultimately be seeded at several locations in Southampton Town, where they will go on to spawn and help enhance the local population.

“The quality of life in Southampton Town will always be strongly linked to its natural resources. One important way the Town Council has codified protection of the town’s natural resources is by creation of the CPF Program. The bay scallop portion of this CPF funded effort will create the economic activity of bay scallop harvests in a way that improves water quality, as the scallops filter excess algae from the water. As importantly, it strengthens people’s connection to our bays and creeks, our heritage,” said Chris Smith, a CCE Marine Program natural resource specialist and long-time Bay Scallop Restoration Program leader.

The funding through the CPF is possible due to the passage of a public referendum in 2016, allowing the five East End towns to earmark CPF funding for water quality projects and initiatives.

“I look forward to growing our common interests in restoring our shellfish populations by direct seeding, aquaculture and other means. I am very proud to be a part of establishing this facility and continuing to support the impressive skills and dedication of CCE staff,” said John Bouvier, Southampton Town councilman and liaison to the CPF Program.

The issue of habitat availability for scallops and other marine life will also be addressed through the project goals. Extensive eelgrass restoration plantings and seeding will occur in the 5-acre sanctuary site designated by the Town Trustees in the waters off of Tiana Bayside. The support of the Trustees has been an important aspect of the formation of this project and the new sanctuary site.

“As a Trustee, I am proud to partner with Cornell and create a shellfish sanctuary that will be beneficial for our bays for generations to come,” said Southampton Town Trustee Scott M. Horowitz.

On the grounds of the Tiana Bayside Facility, an expansion plan for the existing coastal plant nursery is also in the works, according to a release issued by the town. This will enable more plants to be grown for use in coastal resiliency and habitat restoration projects.

“This program helps improve our water quality while supporting our local economy and celebrating our marine heritage, making it a winning situation all around,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.

“Creating public awareness and involvement opportunities is integral to the long-term success of these restoration and water quality improvement efforts. We are so excited to present unique, hands-on stewardship opportunities to the community at Tiana Bayside Facility,” said Kimberly Barbour, CCE Marine Program outreach manager.

Monthly Back to the Bays Stewardship Sessions and ArtSEA Workshops will be offered, focused on the variety of species and habitats this project aims to restore and protect. Activities will include shellfish seeding excursions, preparing eelgrass planting units, art + science integrative programming and more.