“Long Island’s seafood industry isn’t just a key part of our local economy, it’s part of who we are,” said Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo. “From family-owned restaurants to hardworking fishermen, so many livelihoods depend on a thriving aquaculture industry.”
New York State representatives, seafood industry leaders and local press turned out to an aesthetically magnificent scene at Red Snapp Inn of Oakdale on March 19.
On behalf of Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball and company announced the highly innovative “Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail.”
“Long Island’s aquaculture and seafood industries are vital to New York’s agricultural economy – they create jobs, support a healthy environment, and provide New Yorkers with fresh, nutritious seafood,” Governor Hochul released in a statement.
Thoroughly scouted seafood establishments along the South Shore from Western Suffolk to the East End have been tabbed for the trail, which will feature a digital map component via a mobile app.
An online version of the map is available at longislandseafoodtrail.visitwidget.com. The app will reportedly be available on the Apple App Store and Google Play within the next few weeks.
The Trail was created by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Suffolk County’s Marine Program, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT).
The goal here was simple: linking friendly competitors further through their shared desire to provide tourists with a better sense of what “good eats” are at their disposal.
Promoting restaurants within the local wild-caught and farm-raised seafood industries is considered paramount; as is increasing the exposure and revenue for the participating restaurants and nearby businesses with shared clientele.
The Trail is part of the State’s Blue Food Transformation initiative, first announced in the Governor’s 2024 State of the State proposal.
Adds Hochul: “The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trails highlight the amazing fish and shellfish harvested locally, showcase our outstanding small businesses, and attract more visitors to this incredible region.”
CCE Suffolk representatives instrumental to the project like Kristin Gerbino were also on hand not just to cosign the most exciting collaboration in recent local waterside dining history, but to assure the palpable demand will be abundantly supplied.
“I’m excited for the restaurants, fish markets and oyster growers that really prioritize local seafood to get the local recognition they deserve,” Gerbino exclusively told The South Shore Press.
“Living on an island with access to fresh delicious local fish and shellfish, you would think restaurants and markets would have more on their menu. The surprising thing is: they don’t prioritize it,” she added. “But I’d love people visiting Long Island to get that” experience moving forward; not just on the South Shore, but “once we develop the North Trail” as well.
A special ribbon-cutting ceremony equipped with those classic oversized scissors followed the detailed outline of what eager patrons-to-be can expect, and how this new addition will positively enhance the community.
Local Island Oyster Growers Association President Eric Kopele notably said, “If Dorothy hailed from Long Island, every oyster shell trail would skip Oz for a seafood paradise like The Snapper Inn—where local oysters are shining gems behind the curtain.”
As of Wednesday, we’ve seen a bit behind the curtain now; and can’t wait to see what else is next.