By Ann Welker, Suffolk County Legislator
Montauk Docks with cormorants waiting for a treat. Photo Credit: Bonnie Brady.
On September 3rd, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed landmark legislation at the September 3rd General Meeting. IR 1520, a local law creating Chapter 26 of the Suffolk County Code: Conservation of Working Waterfronts, is a bipartisan, collaborative effort initiated by County Executive Ed Romaine.
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 Ann Welker and Catherine Stark, as well as commercial fishermen, baymen, and oyster farmers who met regularly throughout the process.
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 highly successful Farmland Preservation program, which has preserved over 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. The land remains privately owned but cannot be developed beyond its current use. This ensures 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 Legislator Welker. “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.”
Fishing Boat Returning to the Montauk Dock. Photo Credit: Bonnie Brady.
Suffolk County’s maritime economy is substantial providing nearly 3,000 maritime-related businesses employ over 38,000 workers, accounting for more than 6% of the County’s total economy (NOAA, ENOW Explorer, 2021). Commercial fishing landings in New York State exceeded 17 million pounds in 2023, valued at more than $28 million. With an economic multiplier of 4.5, this translates to $126 million in shoreside revenue, most of which remains on Long Island (NOAA, 2023). 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 (NOAA, 2016 Land Use).
The legislation establishes a 17-member Working Waterfront Committee to review conservation easement applications and provide ongoing oversight. It 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.”