Everyone on Long Island knows that our waterways are the best in the world. Sandy beaches, bays and harbors allow for easy access to the water, whether you are a surfer, boater, or just a beach bum. Every once in a while, the rest of the world catches up and recognizes Long Island for its wonderful shoreline.
Recently, the U.S. Harbors organization awarded Oyster Bay the Best Harbor winner for the Mid-Atlantic region in 2021.
Started by US Harbors in 2019, the ‘Best Harbor in the U.S.’ contest allows users to vote on their favorite of over 1,400 coastal and Great Lakes harbors from March to May of each year. U.S. Harbors notes that the contest “truly reflects the pride and passion people feel for their local coastal communities.”
In this year’s contest, over 2,500 people voted and more than 370 harbors received one or more votes. Oyster Bay Harbor walked away a winner.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino outlined the many efforts that help to keep the vitality of the harbor, including their shellfish management program - with a hatchery that produces millions of clam and oyster seedlings annually - and a restoration program that plants tens of thousands of mature oysters annually to help keep filter the waters and supports the local economy.
“The protection of our natural assets is a high priority for our Town Board, and we will continue our vast efforts to protect the quality and resiliency of our waters,” said Saladino. “We thank U.S. Harbors for this great honor and all who supported Oyster Bay Harbor as the best mid-Atlantic regional. We also thank our partners, including Friends of the Bay, the Waterfront Center, Pew Charitable Trusts and The Nature Conservancy.”