Oyster Bay Town Clerk Steve Labriola announced that the town board will consider a one-year moratorium on the issuance of commercial shellfishing permits at the Tuesday, Dec. 19, public hearing.

"In recent years, the issuance of new commercial shellfishing permits by my office has increased dramatically," Town Clerk Labriola said. "This pronounced increase in commercial shellfish harvesting carries with it significant consequences for the town, the local shellfishing industry and the environment. My office has requested a one-year moratorium on the issuance of commercial shellfishing permits to new applicants. This will give my office an opportunity to review the town's policies governing the issuance of commercial shellfishing permits and recommend revisions, where appropriate. Moreover, the moratorium will enable the town to assess the environmental impact of increased shellfish harvesting within town waters."

Frank M. Flower & Sons, Inc. spokesperson Dave Relyea said, "I think that the moratorium on the sale of shellfish licenses by the Town of Oyster Bay is a good idea. This means that existing licenses will be renewed but no new licenses will be issued."

He said, "the moratorium will be in effect for a limited amount of time while the town does a clam density survey of the public shellfish lands it controls. Based on that survey the town will institute a cap on the number of licenses that will be available. This is a management tool that the town will use to ensure that the clam resource is not over-harvested.

"Oyster Bay is the only place on Long Island that still has excellent shelllfishing. This is due in part to the aquaculture activities of the town and Frank M. Flower & Sons which supplement the natural population of shellfish. The aquacultured shellfish also spawn each year and add to the natural set which occurs in the bay.

"I congratulate the town on its efforts to manage its valuable resource," said Mr. Relyea.

Town Clerk Labriola noted that the requested moratorium would apply only to new applications and not to applications for renewal of previously issued permits.

The hearing will be held in the hearing room of Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, beginning at 10 a.m. Following the regular town business, the town board will be available to listen to public comment on any subject.