CANARSIE — On Wednesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries clearly acknowledged the importance of these bivalves by announcing that $963,000 in funding be given to the Billion Oyster Project (BOP) for restoration of the Paerdegat Basin shoreline in Canarsie.

The presentation was hosted by the Paerdegat Yacht Club before a crowd of approximately 100. 

The BOP will also use the federal funds to expand STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational opportunities for New York City public school students studying for marine careers, where they will get a chance to learn more about marine biology, scuba diving, boat operations and aquaculture.