Dockers

Dockers Marina Proposal

In March 2004, Peconic Baykeeper was made aware of a proposed large-scale marina development at Dockers Restaurant in East Quogue. Located on the barrier island on Shinnecock Bay and surrounded by near pristine wetlands, the project would accommodate 60 large vessels and require extensive dredging of highly productive and publicly-owned bay bottom. Recognized by New York State as a significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat, this area provides critical spawning and nesting habitat for a variety of birds, shellfish and finfish, including endangered and threatened species.

A view of Dockers Restaurant and surrounding wetlands

This proposal threatens the integrity of the surrounding habitats and the viability of the living resources in the area and will adversely impact water quality through increased turbulence from boat traffic (suspension of sediments) and the discharge of fuel, oil, chemical and sewage waste into the water. The project is contrary to the Town’s efforts to acquire adjacent wetlands for ecological and aesthetic preservation. Moreover, it sets a dangerous precedent, paving the way for other marina developments within environmentally sensitive areas along Shinnecock and Moriches bays.

Egrets in adjacent wetland area

In challenging the project, Peconic Baykeeper has been working to mobilize civic groups and concerned residents in opposition to the proposed project. In fact, a letter co-signed by ten local organizations called upon the Board of Trustees to deny this project. Our efforts also include: submitting written legal arguments to the Southampton Town boards citing state and local laws and policies which are to be implemented in the review process and meeting with a variety of local organizations to appraise them of the issue. In addition, Peconic Baykeeper has also written to and spoken with local media regarding Dockers, including appearing on a local television program that provided for an in-field representation of the project.

Living biota from the public bay bottom that is potentially to be dredged

These are Peconic Baykeeper's main concerns about the project:

Major dredging for a navigable channel is extremely detrimental to bay bottom habitats. Dredging can have direct impacts to the benthic community and seagrass beds, which provide important habitat to shellfish, finfish and many other marine organisms. Seagrasses also help improve water quality by filtering nitrogen from the water and controlling turbidity.

The effects of dredging can also impact a much broader area, clouding the surrounding waters with silt which blocks sunlight to submerged vegetation and benthic organisms.

Fuel and oil waste from boats is inevitable in a 60-vessel capacity marina. Factor in contaminants from general boat maintenance and you have a volatile cocktail poisoning area waters.

Not all boat owners and operators self-regulate their sewage discharge. Shinnecock Bay has not yet been declared a no-discharge zone. Increased boat activity is bound to yield more sewage and chemical disposal in the area. The chemical toxins used in disinfection are lethal to marine life and the pathogens associated with sewage waste are sure to lead to more shellfish closures.

This project does not stand alone and paves the way for other marina developments on the barrier island. Once developed, the negative impacts on the environment are irreversible.

Clams also help improve water quality by filtering nitrogen from the water and controlling turbidity.

This proposal brings to light the integral role of responsibility in protecting our resources. The Southampton Trustees are in fact that: trusted with protecting the public ownership and right to our beaches, our waters, and our ability to bequeath these resources to future generations. It is their responsibility to thoroughly investigate all development applications impacting our shared assets. It is also their responsibility to ensure compliance with existing laws and safeguards that protect our natural resources. It is equally the responsibility of each individual to hold these elected officials responsible for their actions. This project proposes to use commonly held property for personal financial gain. It is incumbent upon each citizen to hold our elected officials responsible for protecting our collective interests, to self-educate, and to participate in the public process.

Learn more about what you can do to add your voice to the public decision-making process in opposing this highly detrimental process.

Horseshoe crabs along adjacent shoreline