New York State unveils the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, enhancing the state’s vibrant seafood industry with 20 designated stops showcasing local fish, shellfish, and sustainable aquaculture

Oakdale, New York – In an exciting move to bolster local business and tourism, Governor Kathy Hochul has launched the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, marking a significant effort to promote New York’s vibrant seafood industry. The trail, which extends from Bay Shore to Montauk along the South Shore, was inaugurated today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale. This initiative is part of the broader State’s Blue Food Transformation initiative aimed at revitalizing the state’s aquaculture and seafood sectors while strengthening local food systems.

The Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail is designed to spotlight New York’s rich seafood offerings, from locally raised to wild-caught and sustainably harvested fish and shellfish. Governor Hochul emphasized the trail’s role in boosting the local economy and the aquaculture sector, which are vital for the state’s agricultural economy.

“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 said. “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.”

At the ceremony, attendees including State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball and representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Suffolk County, as well as local business owners and elected officials, gathered to celebrate this new venture. The trail will include 20 designated stops, featuring a diverse array of seafood cuisines that showcase the best of Long Island’s seafood industry.

Further enhancing the experience for tourists and locals alike, the state is also developing a digital app for the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail. This app will guide users to various establishments where they can savor top-quality seafood, purchase local products, and even participate in seafood tasting events. An online version of the trail guide is currently available, and the mobile app is set to be released on major platforms within a few weeks.

The trail is expected to drive significant traffic to the region, benefiting local fisheries and restaurants by increasing their exposure and customer base. Additionally, the trail aligns with regional points of interest and local events, creating a comprehensive tourism experience around Long Island’s maritime heritage.

The creation of the trail was a collaborative effort involving CCE’s Marine Program and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), with additional support from the Department of Transportation in designating the trail routes.

“Long Island’s waters are abundant with fresh, delicious fish and shellfish, and our seafood industry works tirelessly in harvesting and raising these local delicacies. I encourage New Yorkers to visit any number of the many stops on the new Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail to discover some delicious foods and help support our local aquaculture community,” commented Commissioner Ball.

This initiative is part of a series of efforts under the Blue Food Transformation initiative, which also includes studies and programs aimed at expanding the capacity for seafood processing on Long Island. These efforts are supported by various state departments and aim to address challenges in the seafood industry, from licensing and food safety to economic development.

The establishment of the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail not only promises to enrich New York’s food tourism but also underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable practices and support for local industries. As the trail develops and more stops are added, it will undoubtedly become a significant attraction, drawing seafood enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.