Suffolk’s once-ubiquitous oysters took center stage on Saturday as thousands of residents and officials gathered at Smith Point Park for the inaugural Long Island Oyster Jamboree, a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the region’s burgeoning shellfish industry.
Hosted in partnership with the Long Island Oyster Growers Association (LIOGA), Tiki Joe’s, and the county, the Jamboree featured live music, contests, family activities, and, of course, endless oysters harvested from Suffolk waters.
“This is a celebration of both our history and our future,” said County Executive Ed Romaine, who presided over the opening ceremonial shuck. “Long Island oysters once fed the world. They built communities, sustained families, and shaped our economy. Today, they are coming back stronger than ever, and Suffolk is proud to lead the way.”
Romaine praised local growers for reviving the industry. “We don’t just grow oysters—we grow jobs, we grow cleaner water, and we grow pride in our waterfronts,” he said. “If you love oysters, there’s no better place on earth to taste them than right here.”
The county’s oyster industry is indeed on the upswing. Once nearly wiped out by overharvesting, disease, and pollution, Suffolk waters yielded about 10 million oysters in 2024, contributing to an industry with a $16.5 million annual economic impact. As filter feeders, each oyster cleans up to 50 gallons of water a day, helping restore the health of bays and estuaries.
Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella, whose district includes Smith Point and South Shore oyster grounds, highlighted the dual value of the mollusks. “Oysters have a tremendous impact on both the economy and the environment,” he said. “I’m proud of our growers and the county for putting on this amazing event.”
North Fork Legislator Catherine Stark added a personal touch. “I love oysters,” she said. “Ever since I was a kid, I enjoyed shucking them and eating with my family. Today, I’m proud that we’re working to preserve our working waterfronts so future generations can have the same experience.”
Also sampling the shellfish were state Senator Dean Murray, Suffolk Legislators Trish Bergin, Stephanie Bontempi, and Ann Welker, Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley, and Southold Town Trustee Elizabeth Peeples of the Little Ram Farm, who all downed oysters together for a photo op.
Local growers showcased their harvests, each with its own character depending on where it was raised. “I’ve had oysters from all over the world and these are the best,” said Dan Romanelli of Huntington. “Long Island has the perfect water for growing shellfish. You can really taste the difference.”
Joe Finora of the Hampton Oyster Company touted his farm’s innovative methods. “We were the first to use floating cages at the surface,” he explained. “It results in cleaner shells and a better-tasting oyster.”
Eric Koepele, president of LIOGA, reminded festivalgoers of Long Island’s legacy. “Queen Victoria once decreed that the only oysters served at Buckingham Palace should come from Long Island,” he said. “We’re the Napa Valley of oysters. Our goal is to double harvests every year—we call it ‘Koepele’s Law.’” The oyster maven is shooting for a 100-million harvest within a decade.
Among the oyster farms featured at the Jamboree were Oyster Ponds, Blue Point, Montauk Pearl, Davy Jones Shellfish, Neguntatogue, North Fork Big Oyster, Maris Stella, Hampton Oyster Company, Little Ram Oyster, Bombshell Oyster Farm, and Peconic Gold Oysters. The South Fork Sea Farmers Shell Collection Program and the Cornell Cooperative Extension were also represented.