New York Sea Grant - Marine Heritage Trail
The History of Oysters In New York
1609
Henry Hudson Arrives in Today's New York Metro Area
Approximately 350 square miles of oyster reefs was established in these waters that accounted for nearly half of the world's oyster population.
1800's
Oyster Farming on Long Island Begins
Blue Point oysters was a variety of wild local oysters from Long Island, and they became a popular go-to staple for New Yorkers.
1910's
The New York Harbor Becomes Contaminated
As a result of unregulated sewage and disposal, the New York Harbor became too polluted for marine animals to survive.
1972
The Clean Water Act Is Passed
To stop the growing pollution, the Clean Water Act prohibited dumping waste and raw sewage without proper treatment.
1700's
Oysters Are a Common Food for Everyone in New York City
Oysters became an affordable food option in the city because of its abundance. They were so popular that streets and islands were named in their honor. Ellis Island and Liberty Island were known as "Little Oyster Island" and "Big Oyster Island," respectively. Additionally, Pearl Street was once a popular waterfront street in Manhattan.
1884
Suffolk County Land Granting Program Begins
Between 1885 and 1914, a total of 45,801 acres of underwater lands in Peconic and Gardiner's Bays were granted by the county to individuals for oyster cultivation. These land grants conveyed direct ownership allowing marine farmers perpetual rights to underwater lands.
1927
Closure of the Last Oyster Bed in New York City
Improper waste treatment and overharvesting forced the city's oyster bars to stop serving this shellfish.
2000's
Marine Animals Return to the New York Harbor
From 2000 to 2010, water quality began to improve, allowing oysters and other marine animals to thrive once again. Notably, whales returned to the harbor for the first time in over a century.
2014
The Billion Oyster Project Launches
A single oyster can filter about 30 to 50 gallons of water everyday. The Billion Oyster Project is dedicated to purifying water pollution in New York by adding a billion oysters by 2035.
Picture Citations:
1. Benson John Lossing, ed. Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History (vol. 4) (New York, NY: Harper and Brothers, 1912)
2. "Big Apple Postcard" Artwork inspired by historical photographs available at the Long Island Maritime Museum Library
3. "Frances Benjamin Johnston: Small motor launch, Oyster Bay, Long Island, 1905" by trialsanderrors is marked with CC BY 2.0.
4. "Whales" by kohane is marked with CC BY 2.0.
5. "billion oyster project" by nicknormal is marked with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
​