Cornell Cooperative Extension’s marine program summer lecture series

This summer, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s (CCE) Marine Program is partnering with the Greenport Village Trustees to offer a series lectures on our area’s vital marine resources.

Chris Pickerell, CCE’s Marine Program Director will kick the series off with his talk “What’s New in Marine Species Management and Restoration” on June 12. Chris will discuss various projects either recently completed or currently under way in local waters. “I really want people have a better understanding of the interesting work that is taking place all around Long Island and how they can get involved and do their part. There are so many exciting projects ranging from growing shellfish and helping to restore eelgrass and salt marsh meadows to tracking the movements and breading habits of horse shoe crabs and other important marine species,” said Mr. Pickerell.

On July 10, Gregg Rivara, CCE’s Community Aquaculture Specialist will provide an in depth look at the local oyster industry. The presentation will delve into the oyster industry of the past, what it has become and thoughts on the future of shellfish farming on the East End. “Locally-produced oysters are an important part of the locavore movement, whether served in an upscale restaurant, paired with local wines in a vineyard setting or slurped with an East End beer overlooking the water,” said Mr. Rivara. His lecture is entitled “Oysters on the East End: Past, Present and Future.”

August 14, the CCE’s Fisheries Team will provide an insightful look at the commercial fishing industry. “Commercial Fishing: What Does the Future Hold”will provide the audience with current information on the status of our fisheries. Learn about where your fish comes from and what choices you can make to support your local commercial fishing industry.

All lectures will be offered free of charge at the Little Red School House on Front Street in Greenport Village and will begin at 7 p.m.

This lecture series is part of the “30 Ways to Give Back to the Bays” campaign being presented by CCE’s Marine Program in celebration of their 30thAnniversary! Since 1985, CCE’s Marine Program has been working to improving the water quality of our bays; improving habitat availability for our marine species; enhancing and restoring stocks of commercially and recreationally important shellfish and finfish; and providing meaningful volunteer and educational opportunities to the public.

To learn more about this lecture series, CCE’s Marine Program and the Back to the Bays Initiative, contact Kim Barbour by email or call 631-727-7850 ext. 329. Also, be sure to visit our website and find CCE Marine Program on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest information on our efforts and events.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact us if you have any special needs. Cornell Cooperative Extension is funded in part by Suffolk County through the office of the County Executive and the County Legislature.

Source Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County press release dated June 29, 2015.