'Landmark' Legislation Passed To Protect Suffolk County's Working Waterfronts

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EAST END, NY — It's a victory for Suffolk County's working waterfronts: Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker announced that last week, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed landmark legislation at its September general meeting to preserve those waterfronts for posterity.

The local law creates Chapter 26 of the Suffolk County code, "Conservation of Working Waterfronts." The legislation is a bipartisan, collaborative effort initiated by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Welker said.

The legislation was guided by Commissioner of Economic Development Sarah Lansdale and her team, working alongside a Working Waterfront Group that included East End Legislators Welker and Catherine Stark, as well as commercial fishermen, baymen, and oyster farmers who met regularly throughout the process, Welker said.

Modeled after Maine’s 2008 legislation, which has preserved 25 miles of its 5,000 miles of coastline as working waterfront, the Suffolk County program is also based on the county’s successful Farmland Preservation program, which has preserved more than 10,000 acres of farmland.

The working waterfront program will be voluntary and allows property owners to sell future development rights to the county through a conservation easement, officials said.

The land remains privately owned but cannot be developed beyond its current use — ensuring waterfront access for commercial fishing fleets, oyster farmers, baymen, and others who rely on the water for their livelihood.

It is the first program of its kind in New York State.

"This is an enormous win, not only for the North and South Fork, but for all of Suffolk County," said Welker, who represents Legislative District 2. "LD-2 has the largest number of commercial waterfront properties in the county. Preserving these sites protects not only our maritime economy and heritage but the very way of life in our coastal communities."

Suffolk County’s maritime economy is substantial, she said, noting:

• Nearly 3,000 maritime-related businesses employ more than 38,000 workers, accounting for more than 6 percent of the county’s total economy, according to NOAA, ENOW Explorer, 2021.
• Commercial fishing landings in New York State exceeded 17 million lbs. in 2023, valued at more than $28 million. With an economic multiplier of 4.5, that translates to $126 million in shoreside revenue, most of which remains on Long Island, according to NOAA in 2023, Welker said.
• The county has 2,404.65 acres of commercial waterfront property across 964 parcels. By legislative district, LD-2, Welker’s district, holds 508 acres, the largest share in Suffolk County, according to NOAA, 2016 land use, she said.

"This local law represents a long-overdue commitment to safeguarding the infrastructure that sustains Suffolk County’s historic and economically vital commercial fishing industry," said Bonnie Brady, executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association. "With infrastructure evaporating, livelihoods and the broader food supply chain are at risk. This legislation protects pack houses, ice houses, wharves, and docks for future generations."

The legislation establishes a 17-member Working Waterfront Committee to review conservation easement applications and provide ongoing oversight, Welker said, adding that it also ensures that Suffolk County’s maritime heritage, fisheries, aquaculture, and recreational boating industries remain strong, despite development pressures.

"By protecting our working waterfronts, we are protecting our economy, our food supply, and the character of Suffolk County’s coastal communities," Welker said. "This is about ensuring that future generations can continue the proud traditions of fishing, boating, and maritime commerce that have defined our region for centuries."