Stony Brook University’s School Marine Sciences Center hosted “Clams for Clams” on Friday, July 10 to raise funds to restore Shinnecock Bay and strengthen the local clam population.

Guests were encouraged to adopt or sponsor clam spawner sanctuaries at various donation levels during a cocktail reception fundraiser and tour by Stony Brook University professors, Christopher Gobler and Ellen Pikitch. Funds will support the efforts of the Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program to restore the bay to its former health. The restoration program aids local shellfish by building clam sanctuaries to enhance clam reproductive output, increase water quality and help control harmful algae bloom.

The organization was created in 2012 to raise awareness and protect against the deterioration of the Shinnecock Bay. The restoration program works side-by-side with Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science, to further restore the water quality and fisheries of Shinnecock Bay. Scientists and students are continually monitoring the bay environment. They replenish eelgrass beds and shellfish populations, which improve the bay’s natural filtration and enriches the habitat for plant life and animals living in the bay.

According to the events invite, sponsors were rewarded as follows:

Clam Sponsor: $10,000 per couple
• Create a clam spawner sanctuary and name it in honor of a family member, a business, or yourself.
• Experience a private tour of Shinnecock Bay on the SS Paumanok or Peconic. You and your guests will be treated to a demonstration of oceanographic sampling and a first-hand report on the health of our East End bays. This cruise will be guided by a SoMAS marine scientist and scheduled for a mutually convenient summer, fall or spring date.
• Enjoy a cocktail reception and sunset cocktail cruise at the Marine Sciences Center

Shellfish Sponsor: $5,000 per couple
• Share the honor of creating a clam spawner sanctuary with another generous contributor.
• Experience a semi-private tour of Shinnecock Bay on the SS Paumanok or Peconic as described above.
• Enjoy a cocktail reception (8 tickets) and sunset cocktail cruise at the Marine Sciences Center

Oyster Sponsor: $2,500 per couple
• This sponsorship will help underwrite the expenses of the event and will be recognized on printed materials and at the event.
• Enjoy a cocktail reception (4 tickets) and sunset cocktail cruise at the Marine Sciences Center

Scallop Sponsor: $1,000 per couple
• This sponsorship will help underwrite the expenses of the event and will be recognized on printed materials and at the event.
• Enjoy a cocktail reception (2 tickets) and sunset cocktail cruise at the Marine Sciences Center

Bay Sponsor: $500 per person
• This sponsorship will help underwrite the expenses of the event and will be recognized on printed materials and at the event.
• Enjoy a cocktail reception and sunset cocktail cruise at the Marine Sciences Center

Reception: $150 ($200 at the door)
• Enjoy a cocktail reception and a look at the new Marine Sciences Center.

The amount of money donated at the event has not been released.