May 25th, 2021 – DEC Commissioner Martin Bellew together with Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter, welcomed new interns to the Town's first-ever Shellfish Hatchery internship program.
Interested candidates submitted resumes and 13 were selected based upon their credentials, knowledge and enthusiasm for marine aquaculture.
The program is divided into two sessions; Session 1 May 24-July 9; and Session 2 July 12-August 27. Interns can earn college credit or volunteer hours through the program.
Each group receives at orientation, an overview of shellfish and the hatchery, including the oyster life cycle, clam life cycle, the benefits to the environment and the economy, and, what their roles and responsibilities will be during the session. Duties will include assisting in the larvae room, algae room and farm maintenance, among other responsibilities.
"This hands-on internship is an excellent teaching tool for students at the high school and college level who have an interest in aquaculture," said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
