Shellfish are vital to clean water in Long Island’s bays and harbors. One oysters can filter 50 gallons of water every day, making them a great addition to the toolbox that environmentalists use to remediate our harbors and bays.
Click here to read story, Oyster Farmers in Great South Bay Harvesting Crops While Saving the Waters
Unfortunately, due to suburban sprawl, the bays of the South Shore had become polluted to the point where surviving shellfish were filtering only 1 percent of the water, compared to 1976 when they filtered up to 40 percent.
Programs and nonprofits all across Long Island are working to restore the shellfish population.
Read: Friends of Bellport Bay Plants 1 Million Oysters
The Town of Islip is looking for summer interns who would like to gain experience in the aquaculture field to learn about the Town’s operations that produces over 30 million clams and oysters. High school juniors and seniors, and college students with an interest in marine science should send a resume and cover letter to the Town to apply. Click here for more information.