Montauk
Stewardship Site
Background
Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program has been working to improve habitat and water quality in Lake Montauk since 2018 when efforts began to identify suitable locations to establish oyster reefs within this body of water to improve water quality, habitat, and enhance the local shellfish population. Initial oyster plantings were conducted off Star Island in 2019, and then in 2022 Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program partnered with a generous Lake Montauk resident who enabled a second oyster reef site to be established. Thanks to continued support from donors and local businesses, including Montauk Yacht Club, we have added Montauk to our network of Back to the Bays Stewardship Sites, enabling us to further our habitat restoration and water quality improvement initiatives, while providing engagement opportunities for the Montauk community.
Upcoming Events +
Stewardship Sessions
Become a Montauk Steward or Site Sponsor
Recent Blog Posts
Current Work Underway
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Oyster Reefs
Oysters, considered a “keystone species,” filter water and form reefs that buffer storm surges, and create a complex 3D structure that offers critical habitat for many important species.
These reefs, not intended for harvested, will continue to grow, improving water quality, restoring habitat, and enhancing the wild oyster population.
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Lake Montauk Oyster Reef
Since the initial pilot planting in 2022, additional spat-on-shell oysters have been planted annually in Lake Montauk, totaling nearly 50 cubic ft. of shell holding 180,000 oysters!
CCE staff continue to monitor the East Lake Drive Reef, which is thriving with fully grown adult oysters! Spat-on-shell oyster plantings have also been conducted in the waters off of Montauk Yacht Club, with plans to expand this reef as well.
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Stewardship + Public Outreach
We have partnered with Montauk Yacht Club to provide marine education and public outreach to Montauk visitors. Future support will allow additional community engagement in shellfish and habitat restoration in Montauk.
Contributions to this Stewardship Site will help support community Stewardship Sessions, future spat-on-shell oyster reef deployments, and other fun + educational events!
Thank you to our Montauk Stewardship Site Supports
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