East Hampton High School student and intern with the not-for-profit South Fork Sea Farmers Jocelyn Garcia presented a proposal to install a fourth oyster reef on Three Mile Harbor’s bottomlands, which the trustees own.
Jocelyn and her classmate, Nick Cooper who is also an intern but unable to attend the meeting, have been working with the East Hampton Town Shellfish Hatchery’s Director John “Barley” Dunne to establish oyster spat for two reefs currently located in Accabonac Harbor. Several months ago both Jocelyn and Nick sought approval for and were granted by the Trustees, permission to establish another oyster reef to be created this coming June.
The Three Mile Harbor oyster reef will require approval by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Letters of support from businesses near the same area of the projected oyster reef include Paddle Diva, Three Mile Harbor Marina, and East Hampton Marina. These will accompany the application by the Sea Farmers to the DEC.
The water is shallow enough to maintain the oyster reef and accessible for students from various local schools to visit. The project benefits the harbor and the Trustees are always supportive of projects initiated by students who are interested in environmental efforts that enhance the waters.
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