Governor Kathy Hochul recently unveiled the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, an initiative to promote Long Island’s seafood industry and bolster tourism. The trail, which officially opened today, spans the South Shore from Bay Shore to Montauk. It aims to encourage visitors to explore local businesses that serve sustainably harvested, wild-caught fish and shellfish. The trail is part of the state’s Blue Food Transformation initiative, designed to rejuvenate New York’s aquaculture and wild-caught seafood industries.
Highlighting Long Island’s Rich Seafood Heritage
During the launch event, which took place at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale, Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of Long Island’s seafood industries in the state’s agricultural economy. The region’s fisheries create jobs, support environmental health, and offer fresh, nutritious seafood to New Yorkers. The trail will feature 20 official locations along the South Shore, highlighting small businesses, seafood restaurants, and shops that offer local seafood products.
Digital App for Seafood Enthusiasts
The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail also introduces a digital app that will help visitors easily discover locations offering seafood-centric meals, oysters, and fresh seafood for take-out. The app will guide users to the best local establishments, allowing them to enjoy seafood at restaurants, or even pick up fillets for home cooking. The app will be available on both Apple and Android platforms in the coming weeks.
North Shore Trail in the Works
Alongside the South Shore trail, the North Shore trail, running from Oyster Bay to Greenport, is currently under development and is expected to launch soon. These two trails are designed to provide a comprehensive tour of Long Island’s seafood scene, offering a full tourism experience while supporting local fishing communities.
The Blue Food Transformation Initiative
The Seafood Cuisine Trails are part of the larger Blue Food Transformation initiative, introduced by Governor Hochul in her 2024 State of the State proposal. This initiative includes funding for research into expanding seafood processing capacity on Long Island and other efforts to strengthen the seafood industry. It aims to enhance New York’s seafood production and promote sustainable harvesting methods.
Benefits for Local Economies
The initiative also seeks to boost tourism, supporting local seafood restaurants, markets, and other businesses. Local officials, such as State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, have expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the impact it will have on both the local economy and the seafood industry.
With the launch of the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, Governor Hochul aims to showcase the region’s rich maritime history, foster tourism, and ensure the sustainability of Long Island’s fishing communities.
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