Southampton - "Change," a volunteer youth movement sponsored by Peconic Baykeeper, and led by Max Friedrich was the driving force behind this shellfish restoration effort.

Five thousand mature hard clams were planted in a 1,000 square foot area for the purpose of repopulating hard clams in Eastern Shinnecock Bay. Because of the density of clams per square meter, the likelihood of successful spawning and recruitment is significantly increased. The area will be monitored annually to assess the overall impact the sanctuary has on the local clam population.

Shinnecock Bay was once renowned for its production of hard clams and the commercial fishery it supported. Due to environmental factors and over-harvesting, the hard clam population experienced a precipitous fall since the 1970s, an estimated 95 percent decrease. This decline has resulted in the re-occurrence of devastating Brown Tide algal blooms that have led to fish kills and the loss of hundreds of acres of eelgrass meadows. Hard clams and other bivalves are instrumental to maintaining water quality by filtering water during the feeding process. With restocking efforts like the Heady Creek project, the hard clam fishery can resume its historically significant role on Long Island.

Volunteers of "Change", a volunteer youth movement sponsored by the Peconic Baykeeper. Blue Warriors Greg Grossman, Ian Combemale, Max Friedrich, Max Reicker and Brendan Manley. (Courtesy Photo: Peconic Baykeeper)

This project was made possible through the support of the JAF Foundation, Southampton Town Trustees and with a special thanks to Chesterfield Marine Contractors for transporting the shellfish and volunteers.

Established in 1997, Peconic Baykeeper is dedicated to safeguarding the ecological health of the Peconic and South Shore Bays. We patrol the bays, monitor water quality, identify pollution problems, and enforce environmental protection laws. We work with government officials and civic leaders to develop progressive conservation policies to ensure that our estuaries are better protected.