Bill > S03255

This bill amends the New York State Environmental Conservation Law by reducing the setback requirement for shellfish cultivation zones in Peconic and Gardiner's Bays from 1,000 feet to 500 feet from the high water mark. A setback is a minimum distance that must be maintained between a regulated activity (in this case, shellfish cultivation) and a specific boundary, such as the shoreline. By decreasing the setback from 1,000 feet to 500 feet, the bill will allow shellfish cultivators, particularly those involved in the Suffolk County Lease Program and Sugar Kelp production, to utilize a larger area of underwater lands for their aquaculture activities. This change could potentially increase the available space for shellfish and kelp farming in these bay areas, potentially supporting local marine agriculture and economic opportunities. The bill includes an immediate effective date, meaning it will go into effect as soon as it is signed into law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3255