Bill > A08690

This bill amends the environmental conservation law to reduce the setback requirement for shellfish cultivation zones in the Peconic and Gardiner's Bays as part of the Suffolk County Lease Program and Sugar Kelp production. Specifically, the bill changes the existing restriction that prohibited underwater lands within 1,000 feet of the high water mark from being included in a shellfish cultivation zone to now allow such lands within 500 feet of the high water mark. By halving the previous setback distance, the bill effectively expands the potential area available for shellfish and sugar kelp cultivation in these coastal regions of Suffolk County, New York. This change could provide more opportunities for local aquaculture and marine farming by increasing the underwater areas that can be legally used for shellfish and kelp production. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, allowing for prompt implementation of the new, reduced setback requirement.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8690