BRUSH NECK OYSTERS: Water Quality Initiative
Become an ambassador of the bay by adding an ‘Oyster Garden’ to your dock or bulkhead through the Dawgpatch Bandits “BRUSH NECK OYSTERS” program.
Let our crew take care of the set up, monthly maintenance, and winterization to keep your oysters alive and filtering year round with a single annual donation.
Annual donation includes 1,000 baby oysters (spat) from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s SPAT Hatchery + FULL SET UP & MAINTENANCE program provided by the Dawgpatch Crew.
Once your oysters reach maturity (18 months) you can eat them right from the end of your dock OR use them to help restock wild populations.
Each year your supply will be replenished by the next round of ‘spat’ reaching maturity - creating a sustainable source of fresh oysters right at the end of your dock!
Please note, even if you do not like to eat oysters we encourage you to take part in this program! More oysters at the end of peoples docks means cleaner water and a healthier marine ecosystem.
IMPACT:
1,000 Oysters at the end of your personal dock can filter up to 50,000 gallons of water per day.
When oysters are raised in containment (aquaculture) they are given the best chance at reaching maturity (1-3 years) and provide a definite, quantifiable impact on water quality.
Mature oysters release their spawn directly into the bays and coves every year and promote wild settlement / repopulation.
Monthly maintenance includes cleaning, tumbling, sorting (culling) oysters and equipment upkeep.
Annual BUDGET BREAKDOWN:
SPAT Ambassador Fee :
(includes 1,000 baby oyster seed annually) = $250 for the 1st year and $155 per annual renewal
Annual Maintenance Cost :
(includes routine monthly maintenance April - December) = $1,695
Spring Set Up + Winterization = $350
Gear & Equipment :
(includes larger grow out cage for 3“ oysters ready for harvest) = $250
Project Management = $200
TOTAL ANNUAL DONATION = $2,745
*D.P.B will ensure that all NYS DEC and SPAT Program protocols are followed. The oysters raised are for personal use ONLY and can not be sold commercially. This program is only available in NYS DEC certified waters, no exceptions.
If you are interested in signing up please fill out the form below and we will be in touch to schedule a dock visit! There are currently 15 spots still OPEN for the 2026 season. This years new hatchery seed just became available, so now is the perfect time to sign up!
SIGN UP TODAY:
Dawgpatch Bandits Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. All gifts made are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Federal Tax ID: 84 – 1874707
Your floating oyster cages will be set up to suit you dock, and will not hinder any boating activities.
Who are the Dawgpatch Bandits?
The Dawgpatch Bandits core crew has always been made up of swimmers, surfers, lifeguards, paddlers and watermen raised in and around Sag Harbor. After spending as much time in the water as we have, we know our bays need help. And now, with your help, we can all do our part to be good stewards of the water for the next generation to enjoy.
“Day after day the oyster will filter the water, absorbing free amino acids and converting phytoplankton into rich minerals and protein. Dissolved calcium and carbon are converted into shell. The calcium carbonate shell will eventually sequester about 12 grams of carbon per oyster, helping combat climate change.”