*Changes in Classification of Shellfish Lands
Shellfish Harvesters in the Town of East Hampton
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Shellfisheries Section (department) has determined that Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 41, “Sanitary Condition of Shellfish Lands” required modification to correct the URL to the webpage that posts notices of changes in classification online.
The department has also determined that water quality in portions of Sag Harbor Bay, adjacent to the Town of East Hampton, has changed, requiring reclassification to protect public health. Additionally, technical changes were required to improve enforcement and readability of the regulations in portions of Sag Harbor and Sag Harbor Bay.
On August 06, 2025, DEC filed a Notice of Emergency Adoption and Proposed Rulemaking to amend Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, Sections 41.0 and 41.3, “Sanitary Condition of Shellfish Land,” in Suffolk County. The new regulations are EFFECTIVE immediately (as of August 27, 2025).
As a result:
Sag Harbor Bay: 26-acres of Sag Harbor Bay were downgraded from certified year-round to uncertified year-round January 1 through December 31.
Technical Changes:
- Sag Harbor– The existing clauses within Sag Harbor were renumbered to reduce complexity and improve readability of the regulations.
- Sag Harbor Bay– The existing clauses within Sag Harbor Bay were redefined reduce complexity and improve readability of the regulations.
Please refer to the attached “Special Notice to Shellfish Harvesters” for further details on the regulatory changes.
A hard copy of the “Special Notice To Shellfish Harvesters” will be mailed to all persons holding a 2024 or 2025 NYS shellfish diggers permit that have opted-in to receive notifications by mail. Hard copies are also available by request.
If you have questions, you may call the DEC-Bureau of Shellfisheries at 631-444-0492 during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Unit
Bureau of Shellfisheries, Division of Marine Resources
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
123 Kings Park Boulevard (Nissequogue River State Park), Kings Park, NY 11754
General Inquiries: (631) 444-0492 | Emergency Closures: (631) 444-0480 | dec.ShellfishClosures@dec.ny.gov
www.dec.ny.gov | | |