Two Apprehended for Illegal Oyster Harvesting in Nissequogue River

• by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ALBANY, NY (12/24/2009)(readMedia)-- As part of an ongoing investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Marine Enforcement Unit, two men were ticketed on Dec. 23 for harvesting oysters along the Nissequogue River on Long Island. The entire Nissequogue River is "uncertified" for oyster harvest because its water quality makes the shellfish unfit for human consumption.

While patrolling the river, officers from DEC's Marine Enforcement Unit observed two men, Raphael Urbina, 26, of Islip, and Gary Beaulieu, 44, of Islip, harvesting undersized oysters at low tide in the area off of Riviera Drive. Oysters in Nissequogue have exceptionally high levels of bacteria, rendering them unsafe to eat and potentially life threatening to some consumers.

Urbina was charged with taking shellfish from uncertified waters, possession of undersized oysters, failing to have a shellfish harvester's log book and failing to maintain shellfish records. Beaulieu was charged with taking shellfish from uncertified waters, possession of undersized oysters and harvesting shellfish without a permit. Beaulieu's ability to acquire a shellfish harvester's permit was revoked from 2003 through 2008 for previous convictions related to harvesting of shellfish at night and harvesting from uncertified waters also along the Nissequogue.

The charges of harvesting undersized shellfish and failure to maintain a log book and records each carry a possible penalty of up to $250 in fines and/or 15 days in jail. The charges related to harvesting in uncertified waters and lack of permits each carry a fine of up to $1,000 and/or one year in jail.

As part of an ongoing effort, DEC enforcement officers will continue to monitor this area and other uncertified areas for any illegal harvesting activities. Nearby residents or those traveling along the river that notice what appears to be illegal harvest activity should contact the DEC Marine Enforcement Unit at (631) 444-0460 or the DEC's 24/7 dispatch number at 1-800-TIPP-DEC (800-847-7332).