East End Oyster Farmers to Receive Federal Disaster Relief After Winter Caused Millions in Losses

USDA disaster declaration brings financial relief to Suffolk County shellfish growers after February’s devastating freeze damaged oyster farms across the East End

The East End’s oyster industry — a major part of Long Island’s maritime economy and summer restaurant scene — is continuing to recover after February’s prolonged deep freeze devastated shellfish farms across Suffolk County.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially issued a disaster declaration for Suffolk County following severe winter weather that caused widespread damage to Long Island’s oyster aquaculture industry. The designation also extends to neighboring Nassau County and allows eligible shellfish growers to apply for low-interest emergency loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

State officials estimate the winter storms and extensive ice formation caused approximately $2.4 million in damage and losses to the shellfish industry, with many growers reporting the loss of more than 30 percent of their market-ready oyster crops.

East End Oyster Businesses Repairing Damage Ahead of Summer Season

East End oyster operations including East Hampton Oyster Company, Hampton Oyster Company, Little Ram Oyster Company and Peconic Gold Oysters are among the local businesses utilizing state grant funding to repair damaged infrastructure and strengthen operations against future severe weather events.

Growers across the Peconic Bay, Moriches Bay and Great South Bay systems reported extensive damage to oyster cages, racks, lines and floating gear after thick ice and drifting debris battered aquaculture equipment for weeks.

“This winter was very rough,” said Sean O’Brien of O’Brien Oyster Company. “A lot of gear was broken and we lost a lot of oysters to the rough weather.”

Industry leaders say the combination of crop losses, damaged equipment and ongoing supply chain pressures could tighten oyster inventory during the busy summer season across the East End.

Hochul Administration Announces $3 Million in Aquaculture Grants

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced $3 million in funding through the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program benefiting 14 small businesses tied to the oyster industry.

Many East End growers are using the grants for industrial ice machines, reinforced mooring systems and heavy-duty screw anchors designed to withstand future freezing events.

“Early last month, I urged the USDA to take swift action to declare Suffolk County a disaster area and help our aquaculture growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward,” Hochul said in a statement. “With this Secretarial Disaster Declaration, the producers who have seen economic loss can now take advantage of low-interest loans to help ensure they’re able to sustain their operations.” — Gov. Kathy Huchul

Congressman Nick LaLota Pushes for Additional Federal Relief

Congressman Nick LaLota is also calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue a separate federal fishery disaster declaration for Long Island’s shellfish industry.

In a letter sent to NOAA officials earlier this year, LaLota called the February freeze “not a routine winter challenge,” citing widespread destruction throughout oyster operations in the Great South Bay, Moriches Bay and Peconic Bay regions.

“Early reports from operators across the Great South Bay, Moriches Bay and the Peconic Bay system indicate widespread damage, including total losses for certain floating gear operations, extensive gear displacement and destruction from ice-driven drag and debris,” LaLota wrote.

If approved, a separate NOAA fisheries disaster declaration could unlock additional relief funding for impacted oyster growers and aquaculture businesses.

A Critical Industry for the East End Economy

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine called shellfishing “part of Suffolk County’s history,” emphasizing the importance of protecting the East End’s working waterfront economy and maritime heritage.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball described the winter damage as “unprecedented,” while New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton encouraged growers to continue submitting financial and landing reports as NOAA evaluates the potential fishery disaster declaration.

For many oyster farmers across the East End, recovery efforts are now focused on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring inventory and preparing for the height of the summer season after one of the most destructive winters the industry has faced in years.