Long Island Oyster Farmers Struggle After Brutal Winter

Severe ice damage destroys equipment and crops, but farmers work to rebuild for the upcoming season.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Long Island's oyster farming industry suffered major losses this past winter due to severe ice damage that destroyed equipment and crops. Toasted Oysters, an Islip-based oyster farming company, estimates they lost about two-thirds of their equipment and 2.6 million oysters. While the farmers are working to locate missing gear and purchase new equipment, they are hopeful they can still have a viable season to serve their customers. The Long Island and New York seafood industry lags behind neighboring states, but the state is working to support aquaculture growth through grant programs.

Why it matters

The brutal winter has dealt a major blow to Long Island's oyster farming industry, which is an important part of the region's economy and food production. The losses threaten the livelihoods of oyster farmers and could impact the availability and price of locally-sourced oysters for consumers. However, the state's efforts to support the industry through grants and other initiatives could help the farmers rebound and strengthen New York's overall seafood industry.

The details

This past winter, massive floating ice chunks tore through oyster farming equipment, snapping lines and destroying cages. Toasted Oysters, an Islip-based company, estimates they lost about two-thirds of their equipment and 2.6 million oysters. Other farmers in the Great South Bay area also suffered major losses. Despite the setbacks, the Toasted Oysters partners are working to locate missing gear, purchase new equipment, and leverage state grant programs to rebuild for the upcoming season.

  • This past winter was the worst ice damage the Long Island oyster farmers have seen in over 15 years.
  • In October 2025, New York State awarded $1.2 million to 17 small businesses to support Long Island's aquaculture industry.
  • An additional $3 million in state funding will be available in an upcoming second round of the program to help fund infrastructure upgrades for aquaculture businesses.

The players

Toasted Oysters

An Islip-based oyster farming company that grows Blue Point oysters in the Great South Bay.

Ray Smith

Co-owner of Toasted Oysters.

Mike Miezianka

Co-owner of Toasted Oysters.

Nick LaLota

U.S. Representative requesting a fishery disaster declaration for Long Island waters due to the severe losses.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program

Conducted a 2025 feasibility study showing New York's seafood industry lags behind neighboring states.

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What they’re saying

“We're all kind of reeling a little bit from the icebergs that were traveling through the farm. There were some floating icebergs out there that were over 10 feet out of the water.”

— Ray Smith, Co-owner, Toasted Oysters (libn.com)

“Affected growers and baymen are actively documenting impacts, and Suffolk County and industry partners have already launched a coordinated survey to quantify losses across operations.”

— Nick LaLota, U.S. Representative (libn.com)

What’s next

U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota has requested that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declare a fishery disaster for Long Island waters, which could unlock federal aid and resources to help the oyster farmers recover from the severe losses.

The takeaway

The devastating impact of this past winter's ice damage on Long Island's oyster farming industry underscores the vulnerability of the region's seafood sector and the need for greater investment and support. However, the state's efforts to boost aquaculture through grant programs offer hope that the industry can rebound and become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events.