Lease Program Participants

Individuals or entities, who wish to conduct shellfish aquaculture activities within Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay, with the exception of private oyster grant owners that cultivate oysters only, must obtain a lease from Suffolk County. Participants for commercial shellfish aquaculture leases include, prospective shellfish farmers interested in obtaining a 10-acre lease site, private oyster grant owners (that wish to grow shellfish species other than oysters on or within their oyster grant), and existing leaseholders (that wish to obtain a second lease). The County may also accept applications for non-commercial leases, which authorize leases to be used for shellfish aquaculture research, education and/or restoration.

All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Section 3.1 of the Revised Administrative Guidance document, which are listed below. If the County determines that a lease applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements the lease application shall be ineligible and returned to the applicant.

• Applicant shall be at least 18 years of age and must provide valid photo identification.
• Applicant must also provide a Social Security Number and/or Federal Tax ID Number (EIN).

Additionally, all lease applicants must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

• Applicant must have completed a recognized course of study in shellfish aquaculture, marine science or related disciplines; and/or technical training program in shellfish aquaculture.
• Prior shellfish aquaculture experience (two or more years) as an employee or apprentice.
• Prior experience (three or more years) as a commercial baymen and/or shellfisherman.

Other relevant experience may be taken into consideration by the County.

In addition to the standard lease application for new leases, eligible leaseholders may apply to assign, relocate or terminate their lease. Leaseholders whose ten year lease term is expiring and wish to renew their lease may do so by submitting a Lease Renewal Application.

The Department expects to conduct one new lease application cycle per year, beginning in the month of January; specific dates for the application period will be posted on this website. Applications for lease site relocation or for second leases shall also be processed during the annual lease application cycle. For more information on the different applications and the respective application process, please select the relevant link(s) in the table below:

The files below are in pdf file formats. To view pdf files, download the free Adobe Reader here.

Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Agreement: This is the current template of the Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Agreement, which eligible applicants will sign as part of the lease execution process. Aside from corrections or revisions made by the Law Department with respect to County and/or Legislative requirements, this document is not negotiable. Subsequent to the lease execution by the County, an original shall be recorded in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk.

Notification Regarding Transfer of Company Ownership and Management: This document is for leases held by a Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Company and the company ownership and/or management authority changes (i.e., changes in shareholders, directors, officers, members or managing members and/or partners); the new owners or authorized managers of the company shall inform the County of the transfer of ownership or management. New owners or managers the company are required to update the entity’s contact information, organizational structure and/or membership, identify shareholders and ownership interest by completing the applicable section of this form and submitting the same to the Department of Economic Development and Planning, Division of Planning and Environment.