Empire State Today

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is set to inaugurate the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail, aiming to promote the region's seafood, aquaculture, and small business industries while boosting tourism. The launch event will take place at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale on March 19 at 2:00 pm.

The Seafood Cuisine Trail is part of New York's Blue Food Transformation initiative, introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul in her 2024 State of the State proposal. This initiative seeks to revitalize New York’s aquaculture and seafood sectors and strengthen the local food system.

Commissioner Richard A. Ball will cut the ribbon at The Snapper Inn, marking it as one of the first stops on the new South Shore Trail. This trail will feature 20 locations from Bay Shore to Montauk that highlight New York’s seafood industry by directing visitors to places offering locally harvested fish and shellfish.

Attendees at the event can enjoy a tasting menu featuring local fish, shellfish, and wine. Key figures joining Commissioner Ball include Vanessa Lockel and Kristin Gerbino from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County; Juan Micelli-Martinez from Long Island Farm Bureau; Eric Koepele from Long Island Oyster Growers Association; Bonnie Brady from Long Island Commercial Fisheries Association; Kristen Reynolds from Discover Long Island; along with state and local elected officials.