Cuomo Signs Zeldin/Thiele Legislation To Help Surf Clam Harvesters

 Ronkonkoma, NY-  State Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I- Shirley) announced today that Governor Cuomo has signed his bill into law to provide assistance to Surf Clam and ocean quahog harvesters. On June 17, 2011, the State Senate passed Senator Zeldin’s legislation (S4072-A/A5347-A) by a vote of 62 to 0.

This bill, which was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Zeldin and in the Assembly by Assemblyman Fred Thiele (I- Sag Harbor) will make the harvesting of surf clams and ocean quahogs more economical and sustainable into the future.

“Currently, harvesters are only permitted to harvest surf clams and quahogs by the vessel identified by that permit,” said Senator Zeldin. “Some harvesters have multiple permits but have to operate separate vessels for their individual quota. It just wasn’t cost effective or logical to continue with the current law, especially in the current economy.”

“In a time when our fishing and clamming industries in the Great South Bay are seeing a decline, this is an opportunity for the State to promote efficiency, consolidation and small business,” concluded Senator Zeldin. “I would like to thank Assemblyman Thiele for his hard work in the State Assembly, and Governor Cuomo for his signature on this important piece of legislation.”