Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announce that the U.S. Harbors organization has awarded Oyster Bay the Best Harbor winner for the Mid-Atlantic region in 2021.

“With 2,500 votes for over 370 harbors, we are so pleased that so many visitors recognize the gem that is Oyster Bay Harbor,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We have made many efforts to keep the vitality of our harbor, including a highly successful shellfish management program with a hatchery that produces millions of clam and oyster seedlings annually. We proudly take part in the SOAR (Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration) program through which we plant tens of thousands of mature oysters, which further helps replenish the supply in our waters while benefitting the local economy.  These initiatives help to naturally clean our waters, absorb wave action for shoreline stabilization, and filer local waterways while spawning additional shellfish.”

Started by US Harbors in 2019, the ‘Best Harbor in the U.S.’ contest allows users to vote on their favorite of over 1,400 coastal and Great Lakes harbors from March to May of each year. U.S. Harbors notes that the contest ‘truly reflects the pride and passion people feel for their local coastal communities.’

“The protection of our natural assets is a high priority for our Town Board, and we will continue our vast efforts to protect the quality and resiliency of our waters,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We thank U.S. Harbors for this great honor and all who supported Oyster Bay Harbor as the best mid-Atlantic regional. We also thank our partners, including Friends of the Bay, the Waterfront Center, Pew Charitable Trusts and The Nature Conservancy.”