Community Corner
Clams for Clams - Help Restore Shinnecock Bay!
Dear Friend of Clean Water,
As many of us pack away the surf boards whether real or imagined, please think of what draws all of us to the Hamptons.
The water here is like nowhere else, whether you like to look at it, play in it, drink it or eat from it. This summer has seen numerous stories of increased toxicity in some of the ponds and bays.
Find out what's happening in Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Whether from septic tank leakage or increased nitrogen levels from storm water run off, algae blooms have gotten dangerously high in certain ponds and bays at certain times of the summer. The good news is that there is more press about this problem so our local government seems to be acknowledging it.
While some organizations are doing the legal work required to better this situation, we are lucky to have a major University, Stony Brook, in our midst. Scientists at its School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) have taken on an ambitious project of shellfish restoration in Shinnecock Bay with the purpose of restoring the water quality and ecology of the bay. These hard-shelled creatures are incredible filter feeders. In fact, one oyster filters 1.3 gallons of water per hour! SoMAS has already run pilot projects that have given them measurable, positive results. It is so fortunate for our community to have their scientific wherewithal and manpower, but they need our help in further funding this endeavor.
Find out what's happening in Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What we are trying to do is plant hard clams and oysters where they will best clean our water. It costs about $10,000 per bed and we'd like to secure another bed this winter.
Below are the details for a gorgeous cocktail party on what will probably be one of the nicest nights of the year. For only $150 you can join us on the shore of the new Marine Science center, and at the higher ($500) ticket prices, leading scientist will take you for a cruise onto the bay with brains and booze on board.
As a way of preserving our lifestyle here and the livelihood of the Baymen who are graciously contributing fruits from the sea for this event, please join us on Saturday September 7th. Generations to come will be grateful.
