Suffolk County May Face Federal Disaster Designation Due to Oyster Harvest Losses
Suffolk County is on the verge of being labeled a “disaster area” by federal officials following a significant downturn in this year’s oyster harvest.
This designation would enable local oyster farms, which have suffered substantial losses, to access low-interest emergency loans. Reports indicate that 30% of Suffolk’s oyster fishery was devastated by harsh winter conditions.
Peter Stein, the founder of Peaco Oysters located on the North Fork of New Suffolk, shared his concerns, noting, “This winter, we exceeded 1 million oysters.” He estimated his losses to be in the high six figures to low seven figures.
The financial struggles faced by oyster farmers extend beyond their own challenges; they also impact seafood enthusiasts. A representative from Long Island Shucking Truck, which operates a mobile raw oyster bar, expressed worry that “Oysters are going to be more expensive.” The balance of supply and demand suggests that, with a low supply continuing, prices are poised to rise even further.
In fact, the price of eastern oysters across the country has skyrocketed since 2000, more than quadrupling from roughly $2 per pound to nearly $10 per pound by 2020, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service. On Long Island, those prices have surged to around $20 per pound, as reflected in several local menus, and are expected to climb as summer approaches.
The oyster industry in the region now faces the daunting prospect of bankruptcy, prompting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to reach out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a Commissioner’s Disaster Designation for Suffolk County.
“We urge the Department of Agriculture to take swift action to declare Suffolk County a disaster area and ensure our producers receive the support they need to recover and move forward,” Hochul stated. According to her, weeks of subzero temperatures and icy waters have severely hindered operations, led to equipment damage, and resulted in millions in losses for the industry.
As it stands, Long Island’s oyster producers have lost approximately one-third of their harvest this year—essentially millions of oysters.
The proposed emergency order would allow oyster and kelp farmers in the area to apply for low-interest federal loans of up to $500,000. These funds could be utilized to replace damaged equipment, cover production costs, and assist with essential living expenses, helping approximately 50 farms recoup losses.
A representative from the USDA confirmed they received Hochul’s request and are working diligently to provide resources to local Farm Service county offices while they consider the emergency declaration.
If approved, Suffolk farmers will have eight months from the disaster declaration date to apply for assistance through the relief program.
