Officials To Host Public Hearing To Discuss Local Marine Industry

HAUPPAUGE, NY - Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory’s Marine Industry Revitalization Advisory Council will be hosting a public hearing in Hauppauge this week.

During the meeting, residents can share concerns and ideas about investing in and protecting Suffolk County’s $1.5-billion marine industry.

With some 980 miles of shoreline and more than 300 bodies of water in Suffolk County, the council has been looking for the best way to nurture Long Island’s diverse marine industry.

The group 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.

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Suffolk County Legislature on 725 Veterans Memorial Highway in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium in William H. Rogers Building.

There will be another hearing in Riverhead on Thursday, Feb. 7.

Testimony may also be submitted in writing to MIRAC@suffolkcountyny.gov.

“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,” said Presiding Officer Gregory.

The Marine Industry Revitalization Advisory Council was created last year through legislation sponsored by 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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