Background + Goals

Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program and Strong’s Marine have been working together for years on various efforts to improve the health of our bays. Back in 2018 we expanded our partnership in support of the Long Island Shellfish Restoration Project in which Strong’s played an important role in the production of shellfish. For the duration of the project period they hosted 10 FLUPSY’s at their marina, enabling the CCE Marine Team to grow millions of juvenile clams in support of water quality improvement.

Today, Strong’s still plays a vital role as a satellite production facility for our aquaculture efforts and 2021 marked the first year that shellfish were grown on site specifically to support the Back to the Bays Initiative. Work is also underway to assess the potential of conducting eelgrass restoration in Mattituck Inlet, as well as determine the feasibility of carrying out coastal resiliency projects in the area, all while educating the public through stewardship and educational sessions hosted at Strong’s Mattituck properties. By including this location in our Back to the Bays network, we will be able to significantly expand our shellfish and habitat restoration work in waters off the North Fork. We invite you to help us reach our fundraising goals by providing any level of support to our Mattituck Stewardship site by making a donation today.