Cuomo initiative to add millions of oysters to NY waterways
A student holds some oyster shells in the laboratory of the Billion Oyster Project, where environmentalists and students are working to replenish oyster stocks in New York Harbor. (Photo by Johannes Schmitt-Tegge/picture alliance via Getty Images)
NEW YORK (AP) - Gov. Andrew Cuomo says a multimillion-dollar initiative will restore aquatic habitats around New York.
Cuomo announced the program Saturday as officials released thousands of juvenile shellfish at New York City's Hudson River Park.
The governor says the "Revive Mother Nature" initiative is the most aggressive in the country and will reintroduce millions of oysters to New York waterways.
Cuomo also announced $2.8 million to restore marine habitat in New York Harbor and to expand the Soundview Park oyster reef in the Bronx River.
Saturday's event was part of an effort to create four acres of enhanced habitat off the Hudson River Park for five to 10 million oysters.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul says the program is designed to combat climate change and advance the state as a world-class fishing destination.