Shellfishing Newsletter

In This Issue:

• New York Shellfish Restoration Council January Meeting Summary
• Commercial Shellfish Harvester Certification Training
• Conditional Shellfish Harvesting Programs
• Going Shellfishing? Try Using DEC's Public Shellfish Mapper 

New York Shellfish Restoration Council January Meeting Summary

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the New York State Shellfish Restoration Council met virtually to host its first bi-annual public meeting of 2023. The Council reviewed the recent progress made to develop the New York State Shellfish Restoration Plan, the state’s first plan of its kind.  

During the meeting, feedback was collected on key components of the Plan, including its vision, purpose, and the kinds of outcomes New York State hopes to achieve by implementing the plan. The Plan’s workgroups that are focused on shellfish regulations, restoration, and shellfishing shared the progress they’ve made thus far in developing the plan. The Council also agreed by consensus that it would like to align the Plan with the NOAA's National Shellfish Initiative. 

The January 2023 Shellfish Restoration Council meeting materials are available on DEC’s Shellfish Restoration Council website.

Commercial Shellfish Harvester Certification Training

DEC requires all Commercial Shellfish Digger permit holders to complete the online Shellfish Harvester Certification Training to meet federal compliance requirements and ensure all New York State shellfish harvesters are informed of sanitary control measures for shellfish harvested and sold as food. 

The Shellfish Harvester Certification Training provides an overview of:

• permits & record keeping requirements
• shellfish harvest areas
• safe shellfish harvesting & handling practices
• vibrio control measures for post-harvest handling 

The electronic exam must be completed at the end of the online training to meet the certification requirements. If you completed the exam in 2022, you do not need to complete it again for 2023. A Shellfish Digger Permit will not be issued if you fail to complete the training and exam prior to submitting your application. 

For more information on the training, contact 631-444-9037 or DiggerTraining@dec.ny.gov. 

Conditional Shellfish Harvesting Programs

Under certain conditions, water quality predictably improves to the point where normally uncertified waters meet the standards for certified shellfishing areas. DEC's Conditional Shellfish Harvesting Programs are special certifications of shellfish growing areas that allow shellfish harvesters to take shellfish from areas that are usually classified as uncertified (closed) for the harvest. Conditional programs typically operate during colder months when bacteria levels in the water are lower and there is less rainfall-related runoff.

Conditional programs are operated at the request of and in cooperation with towns in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Towns manage the programs, provide enforcement and assist with the collection of water samples, which are examined in the DEC's FDA approved microbiology laboratory. DEC evaluates the water quality of each requested area; determines appropriate conditions and rainfall thresholds; and continues to monitor water quality while the area is open for harvesting. Use the links below to review the specific conditions of each program and instructions for participating:

• Town of Hempstead: Hempstead Bay- Middle Bay (PDF) - To check the status of this program call (516) 897-2526.
• Town of Shelter Island: Dering Harbor (PDF) - To check the status of this program call (631) 749-0400 (Option 9, then Option 7).
• Town of Brookhaven: Port Jefferson Harbor (PDF) - To check the status of this program call (631) 451-2526 (CLAM).
• Town of Huntington: Northport Harbor (PDF) - To check the status of this program call (631) 351-3327.
• Town of Southampton: North Sea Harbor (PDF) - To check the status of this program call (631) 287-5724.

Going Shellfishing? Try Using DEC's Public Shellfish Mapper 

Before going shellfishing, use the DEC Public Shellfish Mapper to know where shellfish harvesting areas are open. This interactive map shows regulatory closures, temporary closures, conditional harvesting programs, shellfish harvest zones, aquaculture lease sites, and water sampling stations. 

While using the interactive map from a mobile device, turn the location services on and the map will show your location in relation to harvest areas and areas closed to harvest.

This map is for reference only. Please review the official regulations for the legal descriptions of the closures. Make sure to also check DEC’s Shellfish Harvest Limits and contact the town you're harvesting from for information about local regulations and permits.