Mr. Wise reported on two activities that have started recently affecting the future of commercial aquaculture in the Peconic Bays. Both efforts were prompted by the outcry brought about by one company buying up shellfish harvesting rights on old oyster grant lands in the Peconics and then using hydraulic dredges to harvest naturally-occurring shellfish from these areas.

• Suffolk County Aquaculture Committee. Created by the Suffolk County Legislature. Has a one-year life span and then will report on its findings to the County Legislature. Will meet 7-8 times over next 10 months, hold at least 3 public meetings, the first of which is scheduled for 25 September 2001 at 6:00 pm at the Legislative Auditorium, County Center in Riverhead.
  
  
• Nature Conservancy Peconic Bays Aquaculture Advisory Committee. Asked informally by several state legislators to form a group to help deal w/issues facing commercial aquaculture in the Peconics. The committee formed in late summer and is chaired by Mr. Wise. Its business will be concluded by or soon after the end of the year in order to make recommendations to the Legislature.

Mr. Wise stated that the two groups have similar missions and have agreed to keep each other closely informed of their respective progress.