Karen
Rivara, Shellfisher Preserve managerShellfisher Preserve
Shellfisher Preserve is the site of the former Shelter Island Oyster Company shellfish farming facility, owned by John & Anna Plock and John Plock, Jr., located in Southold, New York.
The Peconic Land Trust began working with the Plock family in 1992 to create a conservation/limited development plan that ultimately protected 14 of their property's 22 acres, including the unique mariculture facilities of the Shelter Island Oyster Company. In January of 1996, the Plock family donated those 14 acres and their unique facilities to the Peconic Land Trust. Since acquisition of the property, the Trust has been working with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program to manage the facility. Recently, the Peconic Land Trust and its partners began work to restore the old aquaculture buildings to their original function. The aquaculture facilities at Shellfisher Preserve are unique and have a historical significance to the shellfish aquaculture industry due to their innovative design.
The general goal of the Peconic Land Trust has been to manage the site for shellfish aquaculture research, education, and as an opportunity for small-scale aquaculture companies to have access to the waterfront.