Developer Community Offshore Wind and partners are creating oyster reefs in Long Island, New York state to improve water quality and the marine ecosystem.
The initiative in the Huntington-Northport waterbody is occurring under the leadership of the Rotary Club of Huntington and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Marine Program (CCE Marine).
Long Island once served as an oyster hub, but overfishing and pollution have decimated the marine ecosystems in the area.
Oysters are natural water filters and creating oyster reefs will improve the water quality for marine habitats in the region.
The group will introduce millions of oyster larvae into the Huntington-Northport waterbody by way of spawner sanctuaries.
This project is aimed to protect the waters from harmful algae blooms and inshore water pollution.
Community Offshore Wind is a joint venture between RWE Renewables and National Grid that will develop offshore wind in the New York Bight, the area between Long Island and New Jersey.
“As we develop offshore wind, we are focused on preserving and even improving the marine ecosystem,” said Doug Perkins, president and project director of Community Offshore Wind.
“That’s why partnering with the Rotary Club of Huntington and CCE Marine is so fitting for us. Led by their expertise, we are able to help improve the water quality.
“This is a nice complement to the work we will do to improve air quality through our project’s delivery of clean energy.
“We’re committed to having a positive impact in communities across Long Island and I am particularly excited that this partnership improves the environment in Northport where I grew up.”