Owners Worry About Availability of Fish, not Quality

Commack's fishmongers and restaurant owners worry about the lack of fish, not the quality, in the coming months as many do not purchase fish from the Gulf of Mexico and have not for a long time.

"We haven't purchased from the Gulf in 6-8 months. Some shrimp are farm-raised, some come from Ecuador. Our fish and business, is not affected by the oil spill because our customers on Long Island are accustomed to certain types of fish; fish that don't come from the Gulf," Sal G., owner of South Side Fish and Clam, said.

"I think we'll see the whole cycle change, because the bait fish [the fish that larger fish eat] will be gone and there will be relocation. It will change the whole cycle," he said.

The demand for certain types of fish, according to Sal G., is on the rise.

"There's a need for oysters, clams; fish that is supplied by the Gulf," he said.

Location is important to the owner of Catfish Annie's, Anthony Annuziato. He has never bought fish from the Gulf of Mexico. He prefers local suppliers; suppliers, which he claims, are not affected by the oil spill.

"A lot of customers are asking 'Where do you get your shrimps?.' I don't get any fish from the Gulf, I get my shrimp from South America and much of my fish comes from Montauk, Boston…local places. I never used the stuff from down there. Our fish isn't contaminated and there aren't any new tests that I'm aware of," Annuziato said.

"There is dramatic amount of customers concerned. They all ask where you are buying the fish, but we haven't used fish from the Gulf for the past 6-8 months," Sal G. said.

Fish markets aren't the only restaurants in the area concerned about the situation; Joe Mannino of Mannino's Italian restaurant is also concerned.

"I haven't seen any changes, but don't think I will see any until the fall. It is going to be getting the fish. If they stop fishing [in the Gulf] then the problem will be getting the fish for the menu," Mannino said.