Private ownership of underwater lands in Great South Bay, New York: A case study in degradation, restoration and protection

In 2002 and 2004, The Nature Conservancy became the owner of underwater lands totaling 22% of the Great South Bay, Long Island, New York. A legacy of unsustainable shellfish harvesting, shoreline development, and water pollution degraded the area. Dense human population and cumulative impacts of human uses continue to affect the site. Since acquiring the property, the Conservancy has worked with local communities and governments to implement shellfish and seagrass restoration projects within and outside of what is now the Great South Bay Marine Conservation Area. The Conservancy has also worked with stakeholders to address and improve environmental conditions within the watershed of Great South Bay. Several types of protected area governance incentives have been employed at the site, including economic (financing and staffing for restoration), knowledge (outreach regarding restored habitats), legal (private rights and enforcement) and participative (transparent and inclusive decision-making). Strengthening legal and regulatory policies that provide formal government support for the site would improve the likelihood of long-term success. While concerns about private protected areas exist, the Conservancy's Great South Bay Marine Conservation Area is one of several examples around the world of successful protection of the marine environment by a private entity.