Peconic Bay scallops

Warmer waters, new predators, and loss of eelgrass habitat affected the Peconic Bay scallop population, in addition to a new parasite infection, according to a report by the Peconic Estuary Partnership issued yesterday.

State environmental officials say they have detected a parasite in local bay scallops believed to be a contributing factor in the scallop die-off last year.

The East End towns and Suffolk County have penned an agreement establishing the Peconic Estuary Protection Committee dedicated to the restoration of the federally recognized ecosystem.

The scallop season has been extended to April 30, welcomed by local baymen who've struggled during the long, frigid winter.

A bountiful Peconic bay scallop harvest means better prices for customers, area shop owners say.