In 2024, Saltaire residents joined forces with Save the Great South Bay and Cornell Cooperative to restore wild oysters to the Great South Bay. Led by local resident, Ali Beqaj, local residents donated funds to purchase ten crates of approximately 1,500 spat on shell (baby oysters) for a total of nearly 15,000 oysters.

These were secured to the dock and maintained on a weekly basis between June and September by a cadre of volunteers who also monitored the growth rates and were amazed to see the weekly changes. At the end of the season, the baby oysters were transplanted to a Save the Great South Bay Oyster Sanctuary near the Unqua Yacht Club under the guidance of Andy Mirchel, Program Chairperson and Todd Shaw, President of the non-profit.

The program was so successful, we'd like to double our efforts at Saltaire and grow 20 crates (30,000) of spat on shell. To make our work easier, we'd also like to purchase a couple of folding stools and build a few tables. Our backs will thank us!

We appreciate your support whether it be financial, as a maintenance volunteer or both!

Contact Ali with any questions at (631) 786-1945, beqaj@verizon.net

Growth Chart for Saltaire

Saltaire Community Oyster Gardens 2026

By Save the Great South Bay

Saltaire Community Oyster Gardens 2026

Help us restore wild oysters to the Great South Bay