The Nature Conservancy Lauds NYS Legislature for Passing “Seagrass Bill”

Big Step in Protection of Water Quality & Critical Habitat in Bays; Boost for Fish, Shellfish Industry

Cold Spring Harbor, NY—June 26, 2006—The Nature Conservancy applauds the New York State Legislature’s decision to help protect the future of Long Island’s fish, shellfish and waterfowl through the passage of the “Seagrass Bill.”

The bill (A11523/S08052), sponsored by State Senator Owen Johnson (R-Babylon) and State Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), was approved by the New York State Legislature, and will establish a taskforce to develop a plan that will help to assure that this essential fish habitat exists in our bays well into the future.

Seagrasses, such as eelgrass are submerged aquatic vegetation that is specialized to grow in the marine environment. They provide food, habitat, and nursery areas for hundreds of species of fish and shellfish.

“The future of our fisheries and our bays will be greatly influenced by the health of Long Island’s seagrass meadows,” said Carl LoBue, Site Director for The Nature Conservancy on Long Island. We applaud the legislature for their decision and foresight for taking the steps today to ensure that our waters and way of life are protected for future generations.”

Seagrass was once very extensive in Long Island Bays. While it is still growing well in some areas, others have seen dramatic declines. The combination of factors contributing to these declines is not completely apparent. Seagrass is sensitive to changes in water quality, and has become recognized as important indicator species that reflect the overall health of coastal ecosystems.

“By creating this task force, we’ve taken a major step forward in protecting seagrass and the marine life that relies upon it to survive and thrive," said Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon) Chairman of Senate Subcommittee on the Long Island Marine District.”

“The combination of direct and indirect threats to this important habitat require a comprehensive examination and stakeholders should be involved in the development of regulatory, legislative, research and restoration recommendations,” said State Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst).