Objectives:

1. Identify suitable eelgrass planting sites in the Huntington Harbor Complex and conduct pilot-scale plantings to test suitability. Monitor water quality and success of pilot plantings.

2. Scale-up eelgrass plantings at suitable sites, monitor water quality and spawn bay scallops. Monitor water quality and success of large-scale plantings.

3. Plant bay scallops in established vegetation. Monitor survival and spawning success of scallops and eelgrass beds

Background

The Town of Huntington and Cornell Cooperative Extension will restore eelgrass (Zostera marina) and bay scallops (Agropecten irradians) at several different sites in the greater Huntington Northport Bay Complex using adult shoot transplant and seeding methods to improve their survival. These restoration methods will take place over a three-year period. This project will benefit Huntington town waters by restoring lost finfish and shellfish habitat in this region.