Thousands of baby oysters were planted along the banks of the Shore Road Marina in East Setauket to help improve water quality.

Over time, local advocates say the oysters will form a natural reef to help filter the water and encourage sea life within Setauket Harbor.

"As the population of oysters increases, you will then start to see the effects on the filter feeding abilities where the oysters feed and take out different nutrients and algae, as well to clean up the water." explained Demetrios Caroussos, of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Several local groups took part in the restoration initiative, including the Setauket Harbor Task force, a volunteer environmental organization that works to clean waterways within the Town of Brookhaven.