As a Captain and operator of four recreational fishing boats that fish for flounder and other fish in Oyster Bay, I have been asked about the claim that these fish no longer exist in Oyster Bay, or that somehow the operations of the Flower shellfish farmers have made them scarce.
I understand that local newspapers have published this twisted tale, apparently without checking its veracity with people such as myself, who could have provided the truth if asked. I have been fishing this area for more than 30 years.
My boats are based at City Island in The Bronx and trust me, I would not waste the money to take my boats that distance to Oyster Bay if I didn’t know with a great deal of certainty that my passengers would catch flounder, porgies, and fluke, each in its season.
I can assure the non-fishing residents of the area that Flower’s shellfishing operation in Oyster Bay is not causing any negative effects on our fishing; as far as the recreational fishermen are concerned – they already know that.
My 30-plus year’s experience has also shown me that the shellfish farmers’ creation of a bio-diverse habitat supports the flourishing of fish in Oyster Bay, which leads to great fishing, healthy eating, and happy fisherman! Not sure who benefits to say otherwise…
Captain Chris Cullen
Island Current Fishing Fleet
City Island, The Bronx
