Stony Brook University researchers will study how underwater sediment that’s kicked up by large-scale shellfish harvesting impacts the environment.
They will map the bottom of Oyster Bay Harbor and test water at different depths to see how mechanical shellfish harvesting is moving sediment.
Mechanical harvesting involves shooting high-pressure water to the bottom of the harbor and then scooping up the shellfish.
Sediment movement can occur naturally but too much can hurt marine life by blocking sunlight or hurting their gills.
