Aquaculture & Wild-caught Seafood

New York is committed to strengthening and supporting its seafood industry, including both aquaculture and wild-caught seafood. The Department's Division of Agricultural Development helps coordinate support across agencies by connecting stakeholders with resources, programs, funding, and external partners. This page is intended to serve as a central access point for information and support related to New York’s seafood industry. 

New York’s seafood industry boasts a diverse wild-caught commercial fishing industry and an ever-growing aquaculture industry that harvests a variety of products, including shellfish, finfish, and seaweed. Launched in 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Blue Food Transformation initiative aims to bolster marine agriculture, promote a healthy natural environment, and provide New Yorkers with a nutritious source of locally grown seafood. 

New York State Seafood Interagency Workgroup

The New York State Seafood Interagency Workgroup included the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Department of Environmental Conservation, Empire State Development, Department of Health, New York Sea Grant, and other partners involved in the production and marketing of seafood. The group was tasked with evaluating and coordinating state policies and programs that impact aquaculture licensing, food safety, and economic development measures, and considering pathways for industry growth. Among other recommendations, the Workgroup’s 2024 Report called for hiring a Seafood Coordinator as a non-regulatory liaison to industry.

Long Island Seafood Processing Feasibility Study

In the report Evaluating the Feasibility of Seafood Processing on Long Island, NY (2025), researchers outline the needs of the seafood industry as shared by stakeholders during the study period and make recommendations for meaningful actions to recover, support, and grow the seafood industry on Long Island. Researchers suggest that rebuilding and supporting the seafood industry will bring jobs, revenue, healthy food, and a sense of historic pride back to Long Island, while contributing to a more self-sufficient and resilient New York food system. The recommendations in the report build upon current efforts at the state and federal levels to strengthen regional food systems.

Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program

The Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant Program provides funding to expand and renew aquaculture operations on Long Island to promote long term viability of the marine economy and support the scaling of existing and new aquaculture products produced in New York State. The Department made funding available in 2025, administered by the Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF). The program provided two rounds of funding assistance totaling approximately $4.2 million. Applications for this opportunity closed on January 5, 2026.

Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail

A first-of-its-kind Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trail opened in 2025 and is intended to drive business and tourism to locations proudly serving and selling locally raised and wild-caught, sustainably harvested fish and shellfish while promoting Long Island’s seafood industry. The Trail was created by the Marine Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County in collaboration with the Department. The Trail includes both North Shore and South Shore segments.

Grow Your Seafood Business

New York State Grown & Certified Program

Launched in 2016, NYS Grown & Certified assures consumers that the food they are buying is local and produced to a higher standard. The program requires participating producers to adopt food safety standards and enroll in an environmental management program. Since the program began, NYS Grown & Certified has grown and evolved to cover 20 agricultural commodities and processing industries. This voluntary program is a cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and the Department to meet consumer demand for high-quality food and agricultural products.

Empire State Development Small Business Hub

The Empire State Development Small Business Hub serves as New York State’s central portal for small business assistance. Through the hub, entrepreneurs can explore a wide array of programs and incentives such as lending and loan guarantee funds, grants, contract bonding support, technical assistance, workforce development, business planning advice, and export or innovation services.

Regional Council Capital Fund Program

Capital grant funding from the Regional Council Capital Fund is available through the State‘s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which helps drive regional and local economic development across New York State in cooperation with 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (“Regional Councils”). Capital grant funding is available for capital-based economic development projects intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce, or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business or economic activity in a community or Region. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to their assigned ESD Regional Office to discuss projects before submitting an application.

Sell Your Local Seafood

NYS Grown & Certified Map

This interactive map allows users to view and connect with producers, retailers, and distributors participating in the New York Grown & Certified program. Once your products are certified, your business will be displayed on the map. Several New York procurement incentive programs (i.e., Farm-to-School, Nourish New York, and Executive Order 32) leverage this certification to verify eligible product purchases that direct money into the regional food economy.

New York Food Product Database

The NY Food Product Database is a collection of products that qualify for several local procurement programs. All products listed qualify for both the 30% NYS Initiative, and Nourish New York, as at minimum, they contain 51% New York ingredients, by weight or volume. Products that qualify for Executive Order 32 (EO32), which also requires processing in New York State, are denoted in the EO32 column, with some products still under review. The database was created by and is maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension - Harvest NY, with input from the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Department of Education. The database is updated regularly with new products, vendors, and information. For information or to add a product to the database, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

Local Seafood Markets Locator

The Local Seafood Markets Locator is part of the Local F.I.S.H. outreach program managed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. The purpose of the locator is to guide consumers to local fish markets, shellfish farmers, and other seafood retailers across Long Island and the New York City boroughs. Markets on the map were verified to carry locally harvested or grown seafood.

Contact Regulatory Agencies

Department of Agriculture and Markets

The Department's Division of Food Safety and Inspection has regulatory oversight over a variety of food processing establishments and other food-based businesses in New York State. As it relates to seafood, the Division of Food Safety and Inspection oversees licensing of primary seafood processors; wholesale secondary seafood processors; all retail markets selling and processing seafood products; facilities that process seaweed, or hold or distribute processed seaweed for human consumption; as well as manufacturers and distributors of commercial animal feed (including aquaculture seafood and medicated animal feed).

Department of Environmental Conservation

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is the lead state agency responsible for administration and regulatory oversight of permitting for marine aquaculture, including plants and animals, and freshwater private commercial fish hatcheries for trout and black bass fish species. Additionally, DEC administers the issuance of licenses and permits for recreational and commercial harvest, landing, shipment, shellfish processing, and sale, as applicable, for the state’s important commercial and recreational fisheries.

Empire State Development

The mission of Empire State Development (ESD) is to promote a vigorous, inclusive, and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. In support of New York’s diverse industries, including the seafood industry, ESD invests in infrastructure and innovation, and supports the retention and growth of existing businesses, the resilience of communities, and the development of new businesses and industries.

Department of Health

The Department of Health (DOH) works with the seafood industry indirectly through regulation of food service establishments and guidance directed to consumers. The Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection oversees the food safety regulations outlined in Part 14 of the State Sanitary Code, which protects public health by ensuring that safe food is served in regulated food service establishments such as restaurants, school food services, mobile units, and temporary food service operations. The food safety regulations in Part 14 that impact the seafood industry the most include requirements for approved source, cooking temperatures, and consumer advisories. Through its Regional Fish Advisories, DOH raises public awareness of the potential for exposure to contamination from consuming locally caught fish and helps anglers make healthy choices to reduce exposure to contaminants while continuing to get the health benefits of eating fish.

Department of State

The Department of State (DOS) indirectly works with the seafood industry by connecting regulatory and funding agencies such DEC and the Department of Agriculture and Markets, ensuring that necessary infrastructure is preserved and revitalized to sustain the seafood and commercial fishing industries. DOS also works to leverage grant programs for infrastructure and waterfront revitalization all of which are aimed to create a resilient and supportive environment for seafood production and related economic activities in New York State.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Marine Program bridges the gap between science and community by engaging residents in hands-on marine restoration. Programs support Long Island’s seafood industry, including research, stewardship, and public education. The Choose Local F.I.S.H. initiative aims to increase interest, awareness, and demand for locally harvested, wild-caught and grown seafood through education/outreach events, media outlets, local seafood cooking demonstrations and tastings, “Seafood Literacy” presentations, and other exciting events.

Long Island Oyster Growers Association

The Long Island Oyster Growers Association (LIOGA) represents the social, economic, environmental, and political interests of Long Island’s shellfish and seaweed growers. LIOGA serves as a unified voice for Long Island aquaculturists, advocating for their needs and promoting the industry. The association highlights the benefits of shellfish and seaweed farming to the region while addressing members’ concerns, including regulations, resource access, and market opportunities. LIOGA farmers take pride in the positive environmental contributions of their work.

Long Island Commercial Fishing Association

The Long Island Commercial Fishing Association (LICFA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization representing commercial fishermen of all gear types across Long Island. LICFA serves as an advocate for the commercial fishing industry, engaging in policy and regulatory discussions at state and federal levels — from fisheries management and harbor funding to offshore-wind development and marine spatial planning. The Association also partners with research and extension institutions (e.g. the New York Sea Grant) and local agencies to support data collection, industry surveys, and outreach efforts, helping to ensure sustainable fisheries and working waterfronts throughout Long Island.

New York Sea Grant

Seated within the State University of New York (SUNY) and Cornell University, New York Sea Grant is part of a nationwide network of 34 university-based programs working with coastal communities through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Sea Grant research, extension, and educational programs to promote understanding, conservation, and sustainable use of America’s coastal resources. New York Sea Grant’s Aquaculture Development in New York Initiative offers industry resources, updates, and opportunities for engagement. Sea Grant provides funding opportunities and hosts several industry meetings, workshops, and events through the year.

NOAA Fisheries 

NOAA Fisheries manages U.S. marine resources through science-based fisheries management, seafood safety, aquaculture support, and conservation programs. This page provides information regarding, fisheries management announcements, federal fisheries regulations funding and grant opportunities, financial assistance  export/import guidance, and sustainable seafood initiatives.

Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District

The Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District is a local agency dedicated to protecting and preserving Long Island's natural resources, focusing on soil health, water quality (groundwater, streams, wetlands, ponds), erosion control, and habitat revitalization, by providing technical/financial help, funding opportunities, soil testing, landowner assistance, and public education for sustainable land management. The Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District supports Long Island’s seafood industry through nutrient-reduction programs, stormwater and erosion-control projects, watershed planning, and conservation practices which helps protect shellfish-growing areas, enhance marine habitats, and reduce pollution that leads to harmful algae blooms and water-quality closures. 

Suffolk County Economic Development

Suffolk County Economic Development assists and promotes the development, growth and retention of a broad mix of industry clusters that facilitate job opportunities and private capital investment. The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning Agriculture and Fishing webpage provides information and resources and programs that can help your seafood business succeed. Suffolk County’s Protecting Working Waterfronts Law known as IR 1520, establishes a new chapter of the Suffolk County Code to preserve and protect working waterfronts. This law creates a formal mechanism for the County of Suffolk to acquire conservation easements specific to working waterfront, aquaculture, commercial fisheries and recreational access such as boating or fishing.

USDA Farm Service Agency

The USDA Farm Service Agency provides programs to help aquaculture producers manage risk including two farm programs for aquaculture producers who incur losses due to eligible disaster conditions. Farm Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans are also available for aquaculture producers. Producers interested in any of FSA’s aquaculture programs are encouraged to review the USDA Insurance Programs Fact Sheet, USDA Loan Programs Fact Sheet, and to contact their local Farm Service Agency Service Center for more information.

USDA Risk Management Agency

USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) serves America’s agricultural producers through effective, market-based risk management tools to strengthen their economic stability. The USDA RMA office provides a shellfish crop insurance program through subsidized insurance policies sold through private insurance companies to help aquaculture producers manage risk. Currently, RMA offers four insurance products for aquaculture producers.  Producers interested in the RMA Aquaculture Program are encouraged to visit the USDA RMA Agency website, review the USDA Insurance Programs Fact Sheet, and to contact their local RMA insurance agent for further information. 

United States Small Business Administration

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) provides support to small businesses through financing technical assistance and business development resources. The SBA works with lenders, local partners, and federal programs to help businesses start, grow, and recover from economic challenges. Seafood related businesses interested in financial assistance are encouraged to review the SBA’s Funding Programs page, which outlines loan programs, disaster assistance, and other capital resources available to eligible small businesses.