Strong’s Marine

Mattituck Annex Site Key Partner

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Program and Strong’s Marine have been working together for years on various efforts to improve the health of our bays. Most recently, in 2018 we formed a 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, growing millions of juvenile clams for water quality improvement. Today, Strong’s still plays a role as a satellite production facility for our aquaculture efforts in support of the Back to the Bays Initiative.

In addition to the tremendous shellfish restoration support, Strong’s has committed to sponsor the future Mattituck Stewardship Site, which will be in the vicinity of Mattituck Inlet, for years to come. This long-term commitment to the restoration and enhancement of the stewardship site will include include eelgrass restoration and establishment and continual expansion of a new marine meadow as well as the creation of a new spat-on-shell oyster reef! These restored habitats will help improve water quality, enhance local oyster populations, and provide important underwater habitat for local fish and other species.

Additionally, Strong’s Marine Water Club property in Mattituck is a partner site for marine science based education. CCE Marine Program educators provide hands-on marine science education to marina guests, including a 1-week Marine Camp as well as weekly 1-hour programs that the whole family can enjoy. Activities include seining, crafts, scavenger hunts, and more, all focused on our local marine life and the restoration work of CCE.