Seatuck awarded Nearly $2M to advance river connectivity

Seatuck Environmental Association has been awarded nearly $2 million in grant funding to advance two multi-year projects focused on improving river connectivity and restoring fish passage on Long Island. The awards are part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program, which supports projects statewide to protect drinking water, combat harmful algal blooms, modernize aging water infrastructure, and improve habitat in local communities. 

The award will fund efforts to address barriers that disrupt the natural movement of fish and other aquatic organisms through local waterways. Through targeted infrastructure improvements, Seatuck will reconnect aquatic habitats, restore access to important spawning and wetland areas, and help support healthier, more resilient ecosystems. 

Each project will follow its own phased timeline to achieve its respective restoration goals. 

Restoring Fish Passage in Patchogue 

The Patchogue Lake Fish Passage Project will address an existing dam and culvert that block migratory fish in the Patchogue River. Seatuck will install a pool-and-weir fishway, creating a pathway that allows fish to bypass these barriers and move more freely through the river. The project aims to improve access to important spawning habitat in Patchogue and Canaan Lakes, helping support the movement and reproduction of migratory fish. 

Seatuck is grateful for the cooperation of Suffolk County, and the collaboration of the Village of Patchogue and other invested stakeholders. The organization also extends its appreciation to Legislator Dominick Thorne for his support.

Improving Tidal Flow and Aquatic Connectivity in Mattituck 

The Mattituck Inlet Connectivity Project will address undersized culverts that restrict tidal flow and disrupt aquatic connectivity around Mattituck Inlet. 

Seatuck will replace two existing undersized culverts with larger concrete box culverts, increasing tidal flow around the inlet and removing a barrier to the movement of aquatic organisms into surrounding wetlands. By improving water flow and restoring aquatic passage, the project will strengthen the natural connections between the inlet and its surrounding wetlands. 

Seatuck is grateful for the collaboration of the Town of Southold and the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, whose partnership has helped make this project possible. 

Reconnecting Long Island’s Waterways 

Healthy waterways depend on the ability of fish and other aquatic organisms to move freely as needed between rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, inlets and the open ocean. Dams and undersized culverts can disrupt these connections, limiting access to important spawning, feeding, and nursery habitats. 

By addressing these barriers in Patchogue and Mattituck, Seatuck will help restore the natural movement of aquatic wildlife and improve the health of Long Island’s waterways. 

Together, these projects represent a significant investment in local habitat restoration and demonstrate the importance of collaboration among conservation organizations, municipalities, and government partners in protecting Long Island’s natural resources. 

“It’s exciting to see these projects move forward and to have the opportunity to make meaningful investments in the health of our local waterways. Restoring and maintaining connections between aquatic habitats is critical to supporting healthy ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. We’re grateful for the partnerships and support that make this work possible and look forward to seeing these projects come to life,” said Kris Mielenhausen, Conservation director.

Project start dates will be announced as implementation plans are finalized.