Taking a Closer Look at Jamesport’s Number One Resource: The Sea

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy the beach and LI Sound at Jamesport--SERVPRO can put out any fires

Two Marine Industries that Helped Create the Jamesport of Today

Like many coastal communities, Jamesport can trace its roots to fishers, who were drawn to the waters for their steady food supply and natural beauty. Today, that tradition continues, with most of the local fish industry concentrated in two areas. Between scallops and menhaden, the sea defines our history and continues to provide for us today.

Scallop fishing may be traced back to the earliest days of Jamesport. In the 17th century, the value and taste of the scallop had already been long established. Our earliest residents made comfortable livings by selling their harvests in the larger markets of the New York colony, often purchasing food rather than relying on their catches. Scallops then were as much a delicacy as they are now because, unlike other mollusks, a scallop can swim away. Without special nets and fishing techniques, a scallop can escape even the most experienced fisherman, leading to their relative scarcity. Today, the industry remains strong but may soon be threatened by decades of accumulating pollutants in our coastal waters. Doing your part to reduce runoff and properly dispose of garbage can help to keep this industry alive for decades to come.

More recently, our fishing industry diversified as demand for menhaden increased. Unlike most wild fish, menhaden are not suitable to eat, mostly due to their unusual plankton diet (most fish eat algae, seaweed, or other animals). Because of this, they received little attention for most of Jamesport's history. In the 20th century, with an increased national focus on nutrition, the menhaden was revealed to be an excellent source of fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids. Demand for these fish exploded, and with a sizable native population, Jamesport became a vital place to harvest them. Overfishing threatens the menhaden population today, but with the development of several large fish farming operations along the Atlantic coast, their numbers are expected to rebound with ease. 

Together, these species form the bulk of our fishing industry, but individual boats still specialize in other seafood. Out on the waters, you may spot crabbing boats, mussel and oyster collectors, and some vessels that take anything they can catch. However, these familiar sights might not last forever. Please do your part to reduce pollution and litter so that local fishing boats can continue to practice their trade as they have for centuries.

The Peconic Bay is a World-Class Boating Spot, Right in the Jamesport Backyard

Did you know that watercraft enthusiasts come from hundreds of miles to enjoy the waters right next to our town of Jamesport? The Peconic Bay, along with several areas surrounding it, is known worldwide as one of the best recreational sailing locations. For centuries, it has been considered a jewel of the region, with abundant sea life, pleasant sailing conditions, and enough room for many people to enjoy the Bay at once. Whether you own a grand boat or a simple kayak, these luxurious waters have something for everyone.

Despite its relatively large breadth, the Great Peconic Bay rarely reaches a depth of more than 30 feet. This consistent characteristic creates a broad bay of smooth, gentle water while still being deep enough for small to medium vessels to sail with ease. Many avid kayakers and canoers cruise from end to end, undisturbed by the calm waves. In addition to creating a perfect surface to sail on, the shallow Bay also hosts some of the most diverse marine life in the area. With plenty of sunlight reaching the ocean floor, many seaweed and algae species can thrive, allowing animals of all sorts to flourish. While the populations of specific species may vary each season, the Bay is generally known to be an excellent spot for small-scale, non-commercial fishing.

Many local companies offer kayaks, jet skis, and larger boats for rent if you lack any watercraft of your own. The Bay may be accessed year-round, but the weather is typically best from April through November, especially for smaller watercraft. If you are not familiar with the area's fishing regulations and restrictions, make sure to

How to Stay Safe During Jamesport Fire Damage Restoration

Even under the watchful eyes of trained professionals, many hazards may still lurk in a home in Jamesport undergoing fire damage restorations. We take many safety precautions during any restoration project, but we strongly recommend that you exercise caution while moving in and around any affected areas. Keeping these safety tips in mind can protect you and your family while our crews do their work.

Avoid Machinery and Equipment

Depending on the project's scope, SERVPRO may use some powerful machinery to mitigate and reverse damages incurred during the fire. These machines can be dangerous to people who are not trained in using them, and you should do your best to avoid them. Actions as simple as moving the equipment could cause harm to you or interrupt the restoration process. Sometimes, our technicians place these devices in inopportune locations without realizing it. If that happens, politely ask one of our employees to move it for you, and they will be happy to do so if at all possible.

Do Not Walk Under Damaged Ceilings

Many house fires cause significant damage to ceiling materials and materials above them, such as water lines. Although rare, some dangerous situations can result from these damages. For example, a section of the ceiling may appear stable during our inspections but later fall during our restoration work. Because these risks exist, we ask our clients to avoid walking under ceilings overhead fixtures that have been touched by fire damage. If the burn reaches an unavoidable area such as a hallway, ask your SERVPRO inspector whether it is safe to pass underneath. In some cases, we may erect temporary support structures to ensure your safety as you move about the building.

Change Your HVAC Filters

We strongly recommend that you replace your HVAC filters after any house fire. In addition to stopping the spread of damage around the home, replacing your filters can also keep you safe. If smoke and ash circulate throughout your home, they can become part of the air you breathe. Our technicians are also trained to clean out HVAC systems and can assist you with any tasks you may wish to perform.

SERVPRO of The North Fork stays ready 24/7 to respond to local calls for help with fire damage restoration. Call us as soon as possible after a disaster at (631) 591-3771.