New York is growing its footprint of artificial reefs. But the state needs help.
In what has been the largest expansion of New York State’s artificial reef system, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been spreading more than 43,000 cubic yards of clean, recycled Tappan Zee Bridge material, 5,900 cubic yards of jetty rock, 338 cubic yards of steel pipe, and over 30 vessels across several artificial marine reef sites in the waters surrounding Long Island.
Cranes deposit pieces of the Tappan Zee Bridge to create an artificial reef in New York.
Now the DEC is looking for volunteers to help gather data to fine-tune reef expansions and creations going forward. Through the department’s Artificial Reef Program, volunteer
anglers and scuba divers record and share their catches and observations while visiting the dozen artificial reefs located in Long Island waters. Information provided by the public will help the DEC better understand the abundance of marine life on each reef. It will also help track species and wildlife and the amount of fishing and diving at each location.
Data Driven
“This data can be used to further enhance the fishing and diving opportunities in New York’s marine waters by creating more effective reefs in the future,” says Jesse Hornstein,
a marine biologist with DEC. “It takes only minutes to fill out the surveys, and there’s even an app you can download to make reporting catches, sightings, and observations really easy.”
According to Hornstein, there’s a lot to learn from gathering even basic data, such as species, size of fish caught or seen and the kind of bottom they were holding over, as that can help determine the best materials to use in the future.
“We know from aerial surveys that Long Island’s westernmost reefs are most heavily used,” says Hornstein, “but there is a lot more information we can put to good use when it comes to understanding the potential of these structures. Maybe different types of fish hold around different types of structure. We also want to see the difference in species abundance between wrecks to the east, west and in Long Island Sound, and if various reef layouts make a difference. All the data gathered helps build a more complete picture so that we can better expand existing reefs and build new ones that will be even more productive.”
These insights sound fishy
More information on New York’s marine-based artificial reefs is needed, but there is no doubt they effectively draw and hold fish. Observations are already providing some
interesting insights. Reports from volunteers indicate fish and marine life gravitate to new structures faster than expected. Anglers and divers report that tautog and black sea bass inspect new deposits within weeks of placement.
“We’ve also learned that tautog and black sea bass prefer sunken vessels and concrete deposits over rock piles, although they will occupy all three,” says Hornstein. “It’s also interesting to note that menhaden (bunker fish) sometimes congregate in the waters above our reefs. A study by Stony Brook School of Marine Science found that dolphins visit these structures to feed. I’m looking forward to seeing what new surprises more
data will bring.”
Cold weather brings spectacular birding in the Northeast
With the holiday season well underway, most northeastern boaters have already pulled their vessels for the winter. While it’s the late season routine, many still yearn to go down and reconnect with the sea, even after a couple of weeks in dry dock.
One way to stay in touch with the marine world at this time of year is to cut in a little birding action. For this, migrating seabirds make a perfect starting point. “December really is a great time for bird watching along the shore,” says Ted Gilman, education specialist and senior naturalist for the National Audubon Society’s center in Greenwich, Connecticut. “There are many species of birds using the Atlantic Flyway right now, migrating from colder northern areas to warmer climates down south. It makes for some terrific viewing, and you can generally see something interesting anywhere you find shoreline access, maybe even at your favorite marina.”
The waters of Long Island Sound, for example, play host to northern gannets this time of year. This is a large bird with snow-white plumage, black-tipped wings and a six-foot span that generally spends its time offshore. Throughout December, however, you can spot them diving on remaining schools of baitfish. “They shift their wings behind their bodies and slice into the water like an arrowhead to get down deep and catch their prey,” says Gilman. “They really are spectacular.”
A common loon.
The common loon is another winter visitor to northeast waters. With a black and white checkered back and a rather chunky appearance, it’s easy to pick out from sea ducks and geese. A slimmer cousin, the red-throated loon, can also be seen during the holiday season. Don’t, however, expect to hear the lonesome call for which both loons are famous. That happens during spring mating season.
Another large bird that frequents the northeast coast during winter is the bald eagle. Nearly lost to extinction because of the insecticide DDT, which causes eggshells to thin and unable to support the weight of the incubating bird, populations are rebounding nicely. Drawn to the coast in search of open water and fish or ducks to eat, you can distinguish adults from other birds of prey by their immense size, white heads, and white tails.
“Identifying birds is easier than ever these days,” says Gilman. “There are many good books on the subject and even some great apps, including the free Audubon Bird Guide”.
Of course, this being winter, you’ll want to dress warmly, and wear gloves, boots and a hat. Make your visits to the sea on calm days and bring a pair of binoculars for a better look as it’s tough to get close to birds on the water.
A guided birding tour is a great way to start out, advises Gilman. Many parks, Audubon Society chapters and birding groups offer these. If you live in Connecticut, Gilman recommends a visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park that’s right on Long Island Sound and perfectly situated along the flyway. “You’ll smell the sea breeze and see something interesting there every time,” he says. “Another great place is Montauk Point, New York. The gathering of seabirds and ducks there is incredible.”
Gilman also recommends those new to the game to go along with a bird watching group if at all possible. “Doing so will probably give you access to a spotting scope, and that will give you the best look. It will also put you with experienced birders that can help identify the various species and point out a few you might otherwise miss.”
Devouring the Nautical Mile and all the best places to eat in Freeport.
Find where to eat in Freeport, NY along the best boating community in New York,
A magical tract bordering Freeport’s Woodcleft Canal in New York, the Nautical Mile is the logical starting point for captains and crew visiting this boating-friendly community. Freeport calls itself the “Boating and Fishing Capital of the East.” While that may be a bit of a stretch on both counts, it certainly features a busy, vibrant waterfront with a long history of seafaring tradition that seems to be ever trending toward tourists’ taste-worthy economy. That’s why we’ve rounded out the best places to where to eat in Freeport.
Built upon decades of discarded oyster and clam shells, this is the place Guy Lombardo’s band called home and, in fact, the street paralleling the east side of the canal bears the famous band leader’s name. It’s on Woodcleft Avenue along the west side of Woodcleft Canal, which is also where you can step ashore, stretch your legs and find the ideal place to grab a bite, a drink or both.
Eat, Drink and be Merry
If you’ve brought an appetite, you are certainly in luck, for there are more than a dozen places to dine along the canal itself. Most of the waterfront establishments have transient dockage, and the village of Freeport maintains several slips on a first-come, first-served basis at the Esplanade on Woodcleft Avenue between Suffolk and Hamilton Streets. Use the pay meters along the esplanade to receive the $5.00 per hour tie-up fee and go out to eat in Freeport.
Now, what’s your fancy? Seafood, steaks, ribs? Cajun, Creole, Cuban, Jamaican, Tex Mex? How about a juicy burger or a seat at a Tiki Bar with a big, fruity drink and a colorful umbrella? A raw bar, a crab shack, ice cream, shaved Italian ice? This stretch has them all.
One of my favorites here is E.B. Elliot’s at the head of the canal. Open daily for lunch and dinner, its happy hour runs from noon until 7 PM on weekdays. Here you’ll find great seafood, steaks and the best mojitos north of Cuba, plus live bands on the weekend. Take a seat on the second floor for an entertaining view of maritime mayhem on the canal.
Pull the boat right up to Otto’s Sea Grill.
Party time at Tropix on the Mile.
Canal cruising is the best way to see Freeport, NY.
Check out the raw bar at Otto’s Sea grill. It’s one of the best places to eat in Freeport.
Then there’s Otto’s Sea Grill. Established in 1929, it’s clearly the oldest business on the canal. You’ll find a terrific outdoor raw bar here plus inside dining for seafood, steak, and pasta as well as live music Wednesdays and weekends. Rachel’s Waterside Grill is another great option and known for new American seafood; it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hudson’s on the Mile offers more traditional seafood, music, a raw bar, and mimosas. For something completely different, Nawlins Seafood Company is the Big Easy of the block. Take your choice of Creole or Cajun cuisine or try the lobster sliders for a deliciously mild treat. Any dish blackened is sure to be a winner. There’s live music here, too.
South Beach + Vegas + Long Island = Tropix
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Tropix on the Mile is where South Beach meets Vegas—Long Island style. Casually classy, kick up your feet in the sand during the day, strut your stuff to dance music after dark, and wine and dine anytime on flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, sushi, salads, or appetizers. Try the buffalo flatbread, Beyond Fitness Turkey Burger, or the watermelon and goat cheese salad. There’s a solid kids menu here as well.
Of course, you’ll want to sample some local wines. Most are produced on Long Island’s North and South Forks, but you can taste them right here. Selections from Pindar, Martha Clara, and Lenz are well worth trying. For a quality wine at a reasonable price, order the 2015 Pindar Sunflower Chardonnay, if available. It pairs especially well with light seafood. Choose the Lenz Gold Label Chardonnay to enhance slightly heavier platters. They’re all terrific choices in their own right and add up to a Nautical Mile of fun.
By Ryan Thomas, Southern Boating June 2018
Photos Courtesy of Hudsons on the Mile, Otto’s Sea Grill and Tropix on the Mile
My first trip to Montauk was not by boat. It was aboard what I called my “land yacht,” a 1965 Volkswagen Microbus I used as a part-time crash pad when I needed to put in some late- night studying for a college exam. I would park it near the campus, get a couple of slices of pizza and hit the books. It didn’t matter when I fell asleep, only that I woke up on time.
The Cat and I—yes, that was its name—were known to take off on a whim, and when one of my buddies suggested we hit the road for Montauk, it was merely to find our way east and keep going until we ran out of land. However, once the VW’s time had come—with well over 120,000 miles on it—it was, as Melville opined, high time to get to sea. My first charge was a 24-foot Owens cabin cruiser with a forward V-berth and an old hand pump-activated head—not much more. (As the years passed, I eventually worked my way up to a 93-foot gem, but that’s another story.) Each time I set out on a watery journey from my homeport in the Gerritsen Creek area of Brooklyn, New York, I ventured farther away until finally, I made it out to Montauk.
The town has a rich history. Its indigenous tribal people existed on the harvest of the fertile land as well as the seemingly inexhaustible supply of food from the forests and the sea. And it is this last notion, with that special tie to all things nautical, that has drawn cruisers and fishermen to these unique environs for generations. While many settings near and far adhere to the same mantra, Montauk has long been known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World and for good reason. With its location jutting out some 100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, it is perfectly situated for the annual migration patterns of many of the most sought-after pelagic fish, including tuna, white and blue marlin, striped bass, bluefish, wahoo, the major variety of sharks, and others. Tournaments are plentiful and there is a daily buzz that can be felt from just before dawn to well after sunset.
The inshore and offshore action, even out to the legendary Canyons, always seems to be right on the money. From top-of-the-line sportfishing boats bristling with the latest electronics and impressive tourney accouterments—hydraulically operated outriggers, cockpits the size of your home living room, freezer compartments and ice-making machines, custom fighting chairs, and a seasoned crew—to center console models with quad outboard power hanging off the transom, to flounder pounding, fl uke drifting and porgy hooking outings on the family cruiser, everyone will be in the bite.
Ironically, it is from shore that elite fishermen ply their Zen-like approach to piscatorial adventures. “Trust me, with surf fishing, it is definitely not about the catching,” one veteran of “sudsing” the long rod once told me. I can confirm he was absolutely right. While I’ve plied the shoreline for years, with catches few and far between, I am very good with that. There is something really special about the time just before dawn, when the eastern horizon begins to glow, the surf line is a gentle hush with the living ocean heaving slightly and there’s just the hint of breeze coming off the calm water.
Then there is the moment at day’s end, when the last arc of the sun is about to disappear and, as the soft evening colors start to wrap things up, you glimpse a swirl of the white, combing, incoming waves.
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a guide.
Surf fishing on Montauk is unparalleled, and if you have never participated in this sport, now is the time to make it happen. There is specialized gear, including rods and reels, all sorts of plugs, poppers, lures, feathers, and gadgets and gizmos—some homegrown by the locals—that have proven to be fish producers. But as my aforementioned wizened old salt also intoned, “Fish have tails.”
While many local surf casters are reticent to divulge their secret spots and techniques, I have met some who will gladly share. Then again, you can always get a guide. One of the most popular is Bill Wetzel, a licensed pro who will take you on a six-hour excursion in his beach buggy, all tackle included, and guarantees everything but the weather and the fish.
During some downtime from fishing, you might want to explore this area’s abundant history. With great all-around views, a visit to the Montauk Point Lighthouse is a must. Commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, it is the hands-down image of what the hamlet is all about. Wear comfortable sneakers to climb the 137 steps to the top.
The striper action along the beach is excellent. If you’re an early riser, grab a cup of coffee and a tasty banana nut muffin to go and catch the sunrise. Looking for a day at the beach? Did you bring your surfboard? Ditch Plains, Kirk Park and Navy beaches are the places to go. Let somebody else drive the boat and visit Block Island via the Viking Fleet. Or if you’re up for some horseback riding, check out the trails at the family-owned-and-run Deep Hollow Ranch. Founded in 1658, it’s billed as the oldest working cattle ranch in the country.
Dining also tops the list of things to do in during your stay. As one would expect, seafood reigns supreme. Gosman’s Dock, established in 1943, offers its famed restaurant, topside deck, inlet café, fish market, and clam bar. Reservations are required. The Gig Shack on Main Street is also a dine-out delight. With its extensive menu featuring fish tacos, ribs and lobster rolls, laid-back ambiance and live music, this watering hole guarantees a great night out. If you have a taste for pulled pork, BBQ and onion rings, saunter over to Rick’s Crabby Cowboy Café. The seafood is outstanding as well, and the kids will love roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit for s’mores. Alternatively, opt for fine dining at the Muse at the End, which showcases a wide variety including steak, chicken, fish, salads, and other delicious surprises. Just thirsty? Ask your marina manager to recommend the best bars; there are plenty from which to choose.
The area offers an excess of first-class, full-service marinas. Check with any of the online marina guides for suggestions, but make your reservations well in advance. One of my all-time favorites is Gone Fishing Marina, a 180-slip facility that can accommodate boats up to 66 feet in length with a 6-foot draft. And Dave’s Gone Fishing restaurant, where every table offers a spectacular view of the surroundings, is a definite crowd-pleaser. If you have a large boat, consider mooring at the Montauk Yacht Club. With the ability to accommodate vessels up to 220 feet with a 12-foot draft, this 232-slip marina provides first-class resort amenities, including three restaurants, bonfires, surf and paddleboard lessons. The 170-slip Star Island Yacht Club is a full-service facility with a huge ships store, Travelift, on-site dining, heated swimming pool, and more. People come to enjoy the myriad of social events, such as fishing tournaments and cruising club rendezvous.
For those coming for the fishing, check in with your marina manager for all the seasonal regulations, throwback sizes, limits per species, permits, if any, and other important information you’ll need. If you prefer the experience of local knowledge to increase your fishing success, try your hand with Montauk Outfitter, licensed and insured experts in kayak as well as surf fishing. If your boat is not rigged out for fishing, there are many opportunities to private charter a boat for the day, evening or half-time angling.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Montauk as much as I have over my many years of visiting. It’s a fishing wonderland with plenty to discover.
Start off your year just right by upholding your community service resolution. IGY Marinas, the worldwide marina network, presents its community service initiative project, Inspire Giving Through You. The project that will launch with multiple events in various destinations over two dates is set to focus on community-based initiatives where the company operates its marinas. On February 20th, the community outreach events will directly benefit the Caribbean and Latin American communities. The second set of events will take place throughout the United States and The Bahamas on June 11th to improve the communities surrounding IGY Marinas’ corporate offices in Charleston, South Carolina; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and New York, New York; as well as its marinas. All hands on deck are encourage to support the efforts from IGY staff, marina associates, boat owners, captains, and crew to take part in this new endeavor.
The program’s objective is threefold: to identify a need area at each marina destination and partner with a nonprofit organization; to coordinate a community-focused event, where IGY associates, customers and partners can make a difference; and to give back to each community. Opportunities will range from animal adoptions to improvement for youth group and elderly organizations, and more. “Guests and boaters come to our marinas to enjoy the destinations, local cultures and attractions,” said IGY Marinas CEO Tom Mukamal. “We have always included community service into our business practices, and now we have an ambitious plan to embark on our 2016 community outreach project to give back to the local destinations in which we live and work.”
February 20th—Caribbean and South America:
Yacht Club at Isle de Sol (St. Maarten)
Yacht Haven Grande (St. Thomas)
Blue Haven Marina (Turks & Caicos)
Marina Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)
Simpson Bay Marina (St. Maarten)
American Yacht Harbor (St. Thomas)
Red Frog Beach Marina (Panama)
Marina Santa Marta (Colombia)
June 11th—United States and The Bahamas:
North Cove Marina (Manhattan, New York)
Marinas at Resorts World Bimini (Bahamas)
Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina (Hamptons, New York)
Newport Yacht Club & Marina (Newport, New Jersey)
Located in the heart of Brooklyn Bridge Park between Piers 4 & 5, ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, the newest marina in New York City, New York, is under construction with new docks being anchored and a state-of-the-art wave attenuation system now in place. Construction is set for a fall completion and a grand opening anticipated for spring 2016.
The marina will accommodate boats from 16′ to 250′ for seasonal docking, a sail club and school, and a members-only harbor club.
The new marina will be the first to be built in New York Harbor in 20 years. Arthur Tay, chairman of the SUTL Group, is the visionary behind the ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina brand, whose expertise and experience earned ONE°15 Marina Club Singapore the title of Best Marina and Yacht Club in Asia in 2009 and again from 2012 to 2014. “Boating and the water have long been passions of mine, and I recognized an opportunity in Singapore to bring the water and that lifestyle to a wider audience,” said Tay. “As we looked to expand the brand into international destinations we identified the perfect opportunity in Brooklyn, with the vibrant, lush public spaces of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Manhattan skyline backdrop and open water. Boaters and water enthusiasts from around the corner and around the world will feel at home at ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina.”
The marina will bring a state-of-the-art wave attenuation from a 17-foot-wide Marinetek concrete breakwater to New York’s busy waterfront. The marina will use 40 percent translucent decking materials to support the New York Harbor’s goal to reestablish a habitat for prey fish. With onsite amenities, concierge and top-notch security measures, the marina will offer 102 slips/berths.
Amenities:
• 102 slips/berths
• Docking for boats 16′ to 250′ in length
• Water, marine grade power and wireless internet to every slip
• Vessel maintenance assistance
• Sanitary pump-out facilities
• Concierge
• 24-hour security and gated access
• Dock master office with restrooms and showers
• Community dock
• Kayak spaces, kayaking instructions and small protected beginner basin
• Sail Club
• Sailing School
Contact:
ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina
Pier 5 (end of Joralemon Street) Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn, NY 11201 One15brooklynmarina.com
