Governor Kathy Hochul has officially launched Long Island’s first Seafood Cuisine Trail, a new initiative designed to boost the local economy, spotlight sustainably harvested seafood, and support New York’s aquaculture industry. Stretching from Bay Shore to Montauk, this South Shore trail includes 20 official stops at seafood restaurants, fish markets, and local points of interest, all with the aim of showcasing the best of Long Island’s maritime culinary offerings. The initiative is part of Governor Hochul’s broader effort to support sustainable food production and bolster local tourism.
A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at The Snapper Inn
The trail’s launch was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale, a landmark restaurant located on the Connetquot River. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball was on hand to mark the event, highlighting the importance of the initiative in revitalizing local economies and bringing more attention to Long Island’s seafood industry. Governor Hochul’s office emphasized that the trail would be an essential tool in stimulating both agriculture and tourism in the region, with a special focus on sustainability and local food systems.
The Seafood Cuisine Trail Digital App
One of the highlights of this initiative is the creation of a digital app, designed to make it easy for seafood lovers to discover and explore the best seafood dishes along the trail. The app is expected to launch in the coming weeks, helping guide visitors to restaurants, fish markets, and other seafood-related destinations. This digital tool aligns with Hochul’s Blue Food Transformation initiative, announced in the 2024 State of the State proposal, which seeks to position New York as a leader in the seafood industry and strengthen its local food systems.
The Future of the North Shore Seafood Trail
In addition to the South Shore trail, there are plans to develop a North Shore Seafood Cuisine Trail, which will extend from Oyster Bay to Greenport. This initiative will further highlight the diverse seafood offerings of Long Island, from the eastern parts of the island to its western shores. The North Shore Trail is set to launch in the near future, expanding the region’s seafood tourism opportunities and connecting even more communities to the aquaculture industry.
Enhancing Seafood Processing and Policy
The initiative also includes a Seafood Processing Feasibility Study, which will examine potential challenges and opportunities in expanding Long Island’s seafood processing capabilities. This will ensure that the fish and shellfish harvested locally can reach markets more efficiently. The state is keen to strengthen the infrastructure necessary for a thriving seafood industry, and this study will play a key role in that process.
In addition to the study, Governor Hochul’s office announced that the New York State Seafood Interagency Workgroup—a collaboration between state agencies such as the Agriculture and Markets, DEC, and Empire State Development—will optimize policies surrounding aquaculture licensing, food safety, and more, to ensure that the region’s seafood sector thrives.
Economic Impact and Future Growth
The launch of the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail comes at a time when Long Island’s commercial fishermen are already making significant strides in the seafood industry. In 2023, they harvested over 16 million pounds of finfish, valued at $28 million. This abundance of local seafood presents a huge opportunity for economic growth and sustainability, with the state poised to leverage these resources for the benefit of local communities.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, expressed her enthusiasm for the trail, stating that it will play a vital role in increasing awareness of Long Island’s seafood offerings and driving tourism to local eateries this summer.
With the support of the Seafood Cuisine Trail, the region’s seafood industry is set to thrive, attracting both locals and visitors alike to discover and enjoy Long Island’s freshest catches.
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