NBC’s Today Show recently featured the Town of Islip Shellfish Cultivation Facility and its vigorous oyster farming program during a segment that aired Thursday morning on August 31st, 2023.
The Today Show crew and host Harry Smith toured the Cultivation Facility in East Islip back in July. The segment will shine a spotlight on the Town’s aquaculture program, the incredible environmental benefits, a behind-the-scenes-look at the careful growth of larvae into various sizes of oyster and clam seed to meet the individual needs of shellfish farmers, and a glimpse at one local Blue Point oyster farmer’s work on the bay. The story culminates with an oyster tasting at Salt and Barrel Restaurant in Bay Shore.
“We are delighted that the Today Show was interested in featuring the Town of Islip Shellfish Cultivation Facility and our Bay Bottom Licensing program on national television. Through the Town's robust program, millions of clams and oysters are generated each year—improving water quality, and bringing increased health and sustainability to one of our greatest environmental assets, the Great South Bay. We are extremely proud of our work and our recent expansion into Phase III which includes an additional 1,500 acres available for future licensing,” said Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.
“This is one town’s victory in restoring oysters and the environment,” said Today Show Host, Harry Smith, who has covered a number of stories on aquaculture. The Town of Islip Shellfish Cultivation Facility operates year-round, working alongside local farmers to combat diminished shellfish caused by hurricanes, pollution and overharvesting. Oysters are known as “ecosystem engineers.” Just one adult oyster can filter from 35-50 gallons of water per day.
The Town of Islip is dedicated to the responsible development of the aquaculture industry, expanding the Town's marine-based economy, as well as enhancing shellfish production and improving water quality in the Great South Bay. The Shellfish Cultivation Facility offers FREE tours to the public and local schools.
The Shellfish Cultivation Facility, is located at 333 Bayview Ave., East Islip.
Credit: Town of Islip