Shinnecock Macroalga Pilot Project

Project Title: Shinnecock Macroalgae Farming System Pilot Project

Project Objectives
1) Design a pilot-scale macroalgae cultivation system to be deployed by members of the Shinnecock
Nation with the help and expertise of local partners
2) Educate members of the Shinnecock Nation on the proper operation and maintenance of the
seaweed farming system such that they may continue to grow macroalgae for years to come
3) Harvest macroalgae produced by the system and explore potential residential uses

Summary of Work to be Performed: Shinnecock will partner with local entities to develop a
pilot program that will deploy a seaweed cultivation farm system into Shinnecock ancestral
waters. This partnership represents community members and the department creating sustainable
aquaculture practices to improve the quality Shinnecock waterways.
Budget Information: Total Request is $24,000


BACKGROUND
The Shinnecock Indian Nation (Nation) is located on the south shore of Long Island, just
west of the village of Southampton, NY. The territory of the Shinnecock encompasses over
1,000 acres of aboriginal lands. The main portion, which is home to over 650 tribal members
and spouses, is a peninsula, surrounded by Shinnecock Bay, and two tidal creeks, Heady and Old
Fort Pond. Additional property known as West Woods, is near the town of Hampton Bays, and
includes shoreline along the Peconic Bay. The Shinnecock government has maintained their
responsibility as stewards to the land and waters, through the initiatives of the Environmental
Department. The tribe has maintained a cultural identity based on the water for generations.
Within the Nation, are tribal members who continue to use the resources of the waterways for
sustenance.
The Shinnecock Indian Nation has fished, crabbed, and clammed for generations. In
recent times, the Nation has formed partnerships with academic institutions, nonprofits, and
federal agencies to protect the waters and shores. Environmental Department staff have
combined traditional knowledge and modern science to reseed shellfish, restore aquatic habitat,
and re-establish the oyster hatchery on territory. They are trained in water quality monitoring,
shellfish grow out, and oyster reef construction. Partnerships have enabled the tribe to leverage
resources and consistently expand its capacity.
Shinnecock will partner with Local partners, to develop a pilot program that will deploy a
seaweed cultivation farm system into Shinnecock ancestral waters. This partnership represents
community members and the department creating sustainable aquaculture practices to improve
water quality in Shinnecock waterways. Seaweed farming is the fastest-growing aquaculture
sector according to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Additionally, seaweed farming has
numerous environmental benefits, including the uptake of excess nutrients like nitrogen and
phosphorous that frequently cause harmful algal blooms and decreased oxygen levels in
surrounding waters. Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide to grow, and therefore seaweed cultivation
can further improve water quality and help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification.
Improving water quality is a high priority of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. This pilot
project will have an impact on water quality improvement and serve as a model for sustainable
aquaculture. The Nation continues exploring various methods to maintain water quality standards
that support its way of life. Ocean acidification would have tremendous impact not only on food
resources; however, the shells are valuable cultural resources that provide financial support for
some tribal wampum makers.
Local partner key personnel will provide the technical expertise and business knowledge
that is necessary for a successful outcome to the proposed project. Their years in the industry
will guide the development of the cultivation system. This skillset will be complemented by the
department staff and community members’ knowledge of the waters and community dynamics.