Protecting the local marine industry will be the subject of a public hearing before the Suffolk Marine Industry Revitalization Advisory Council at the county center in Riverhead Feb. 7.
The council is seeking input from marine industry stakeholders such as marina owners and operators, commercial fishermen and baymen, recreational fishermen, and residents of areas in need of dredging.
With some 980 miles of shoreline and more than 300 bodies of water in Suffolk County, the Marine Industry Revitalization Advisory Council has been taking a comprehensive look at the best way to nurture Long Island’s diverse marine industry, according to a media advisory issued this week by Suffolk Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, who co-sponsored legislation with legislators Al Krupski, Sarah Anker and Bill Lindsay to establish the council last year.
Suffolk’s marine industry is an estimated $1.5 billion industry, Gregory said.
A second hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6 in Hauppauge.
“These upcoming public hearings are an opportunity for the public to help shape policy that will create the next generation of marine workers, support much-needed dredging projects, protect fisheries from deadly algal blooms, and ensure that Suffolk County beaches remain a popular destination for years to come,” Gregory said.
Both hearings will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. The Hauppauge hearing will be held in the William H. Rogers Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway. The Riverhead hearing will be held in the Evans K. Griffing Building, 300 Center Drive.
Testimony may also be submitted to the council in writing by email to
MIRAC@suffolkcountyny.gov.
The Marine Industry Revitalization Advisory Council was created last year through legislation sponsored by Presiding Officer Gregory with co-sponsors Legislators Sarah Anker, Al Krupski, and William Lindsay III. The council held its first meeting in August 2018, bringing industry, education, and government leaders together to help protect, promote and grow Suffolk County’s ocean economy.
Constituents seeking more information may call 631-853-4088.
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