Long island sound animals. Thriving, struggling, competing, adapting, and evolving.
Long island sound animals The resources listed are classified according to grade-level, type of resource, and content. These critters frequent rock piles, bridge pilings, artificial reefs and old wrecks. The guide did not include rare species. The The Long Island Sound is a fantastic area to catch gigantic blackfish both in the spring and fall. They tend Long Island Sound is a dynamic estuarine system encompassing di-verse habitats where plants and animals live. Long Island serves as a bird haven, thanks to its diverse habitats,… Read More »16 Long Island Birds You Should Know Mar 24, 2022 · Sunken Meadow State Park, located on the north shore of Long Island, is a popular destination for residents who want to enjoy time at the beach and beautiful hiking trails. Shorebirds & Seabirds on Long Island There are many different species of shorebirds and seabirds that call Long Island home or pass through during migration. The ability of the Sound to support these uses is dependent on the quality of its waters, habitats, and living resources. Long Island Sound is a large marine estuary in the Northeastern United States. In 2012 Yale University Press published "A Field Guide to the Southeast Coast & Gulf of Mexico," co-authored with Noble S. They mistake trash like Styrofoam, plastics, and cigarette butts for food, which can poison their bodies with toxins and lead to starvation. Discover 11 gorgeous and diverse farms on Long Island. The flora and fauna native to the … Jun 24, 2020 · Marine life study cruise with focus on examining the diets and interrelationships of Long Island Sound animals. Animals & Habitats Long Island Sound is among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, serving as a home or breeding area to over 1, 200 species of invertebrates, 150 species of fish and many rare and migratory birds. Long Island Sound is a large body of water in the northeastern United States. Apr 13, 2002 · Marine Animals of the Epipelagic and Pelagic Zones Plankton Planktonic organisms are large and small as well as plant and animal. Plum Island is an island in the town of Southold in Suffolk County, New York. By Kathy Czepiel, lands communications specialist, Save the Sound Last fall, we wrote about a 2021 scientific dive off the coast of Plum Island, NY. From microscopic bacteria and phytoplankton to striped bass and harbor seals, Long Island Sound is alive. This research, management, and education project began in 1985as part of the National Estuary Program under the federalClean Water Act. Keep the Sound Clean Trash in the water or on beaches is not a welcome sight for beach-goers, boaters, or swimmers. The 33 inaugural Stewardship Areas, 17 in Connecticut and 16 THE REPORT Along its 600 miles of coastline, Long Island Sound is home to more than 200 public and private beaches enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors every year. The Sound is a major spawning ground for many species of finfish and shellfish and an essential food and rest stop for many species of migratory birds. Jul 26, 2024 · Swimmers are concerned about increased presence of sharks on the Long Island Sound as the creature becomes more abundant. It serves as a critical nursery for young fish and a feeding and breeding ground for marine animals that Feb 2, 2010 · Osprey, or fish hawks, are a common sight around Long Island Sound, especially in eastern regions; they arrive in March to nest, mostly on manmade platforms which keep their nests out of the reach of predators. Excess nitrogen robs Long Island Sound of oxygen. 1). Nov 3, 2023 · Whale-watching is more popular than ever. Harbor seals generally start showing up in Long Island RV Crew/Educators Bridget Cabral and Nicki Rosenfeld from Maritime Aquarium introduce us to the animals of Long Island Sound. As a result, its shells (which lack the dramatic ribbing) rarely find their way to our beaches in one piece. The word plankton comes from the Greek word "planktos" which means drift hence their name, defining their common As an estuary, Long Island Sound one of the most productive and valuable ecosystems on earth. This Stewardship Area serves one of the highest concentrations of common terns in North America. Here are six amazing whales you can spot in the Long Island Sound on your next whale tour. In 1994,the LISSpart-ners completed evelopment of a Jun 15, 2020 · You can view the accompanying Living Treasures slideshow to see photos of the plants and animals that live in the underwater and shoreline habitats of the Sound. DeLauro you can do to help 8What Sound Update provides readers with news about the Sound and the Long Island Sound Study. The report, Survey of Plum Island’s Subtidal Marine Jul 7, 2024 · Scientists taking water samples from the entire length of Long Island Sound found that nearly every one contained microplastics, pieces of debris smaller than a pencil eraser. This is a large and diverse group of species, but most have spiral or conical shaped shells. May 30, 2023 · Ask any wildlife photographer or explore based on Long Island and they’ll tell you that our home turf does not get nearly the credit it deserves when it comes to species diversity. It is divided into seven sections based on habitats: salt marshes, tidal flats, eelgrass beds, sandy beaches, rocky intertidal, submerged bottom, and open water. On average they're approximately 5 feet in length and weigh around 150 pounds, and they can live up to 24 years feeding on fish like herring and mackeral, squid, and octopus. The sound, known for its varied salinity due to tides, features Habitats within the Long Island Sound watershed support diverse aquatic and terrestrial species, offer recreational opportunities, and provide essential ecosystem functions. Two temperate-water rhizostome species (Rhopilema verrillii, Stomolophus meleagris) have been reported as far north as Long Island Sound in the western North Atlantic but not as far north as the Woods Hole region. Freshwater from long rivers and little coastal streams mixes with salty ocean water, creating ideal habitats for countless species to breed, feed, and live. 6 million in Connecticut. Balcom (2020); Connecticut Sea Grant Publication No. Although the abundance of organisms has decreased in recent years, as the coastline became more densely populated with humans, the Sound Jul 28, 2023 · A semi-enclosed arm of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Long Island Sound lies between New York and Connecticut in the United States of America. Nov 18, 2023 · The International Panel on Climate Change estimates that if global temperatures continue to rise at their current rate, 20-30% of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction by the end of the century. They will learn about the adaptations these organisms have to help them survive in the depths of Long Island Long Island Sound Long Island Sound, the Sound, is Connecticut’s most important natural resource. Reading level: middle school. Indeed some would argue that Long Island Sound oysters are the finest in the world. It is influenced by the tides, with a large exchange with ocean water in the east and minor exchange with New York Harbor in the west. The Long Island Sound region is no exception, and it is already seeing adverse effects of the climate crisis. It's home to a huge variety of marine creatures, from tiny sponges to large sharks. Jan 18, 2021 · The Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound Las plantas y animales del Long Island Sound By Lisa Wahle and Nancy Balcom An updated version of Connecticut Sea Grant’s old favorite, Living Treasures: The Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound has beautiful line drawings and updated expanded text. Thriving, struggling, competing, adapting, and evolving. This indicator is a fisheries-independent estimation of their abundance in the Sound. These people are working together to protect and improve the health of the Sound. Your other inference that these animals they appear like ferrets is closer than anything else you suggested. Feb 20, 2025 · Long Island Sound Publications “Sound Ideas for Clean Water” brochure now available The CT and NY Sea Grant programs, together with the Long Island Sound Study and NEIWPCC, have created a new brochure about ways people can help improve the water quality of Long Island Sound by taking steps in their own homes and communities. S. Introduction Life. Now the results are in, and they provide a deeper understanding of findings from an earlier dive while documenting 126 species of plants and animals beneath the surface of Long Island Sound. Did you know that the many diverse farms on Long Island offer some of the most fun and unique outdoor experiences? Jul 27, 2019 · by Megan Dear Plum Island is an ecological and historical centerpiece to the animals—including humans—and plants that depend on it. The sound plays a vital role for approximately twenty-three million Jan 1, 2017 · A lavishly illustrated and long-overdue guidebook to the rich natural history of Long Island Sound and its coastlines, a region beloved by millions of people Long Island Sound consists of a diverse collection of unique marine, estuarine, and terrestrial ecosystems located in one of the most densely populated regions in the United States. Apr 1, 2022 · Southold, NY—The results of a 2021 scientific dive off the coast of Plum Island, NY, were released today, providing a deeper understanding of findings from an earlier dive and documenting 126 species of plants and animals beneath the surface of Long Island Sound. Some of the most common crustaceans found in Long Island Sound include blue crabs Sound Health Explorer is an interactive tool powered by a collective of organizations that monitor the health of Long Island Sound, using data to empower citizen and legislative action. Jul 18, 2025 · Before the lobsters are released back into the ocean, Humane Long Island acclimates them to the temperature and salinity of the water of the Long Island Sound so they don't go into shock from the change and die. – They are water bodies of constantly changing conditions, such as temperature and salinity. Long Island Wildlife Information Long Island is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. Long Island Sound is a large marine estuary in the Northeastern United States. It is a landscape that connects people with history, nature, and opportunities to learn the stories of America. Summary In 2006, after years of efort by the Long Island Sound Study Stewardship Work Group (now the Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife Work Group) and its partners, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Initiative was formally established by Congress to help protect the diverse plants and animals that live in or near the estuary. Nearly nine million people live in the Long Island Sound watershed, including over 3. Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. The Vital Role of an Estuary Estuaries like Long Island Sound are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, supporting a wide array of life. There are several varieties of plant and animal within this species, however, the one characteristic that have in common is that they are all drifters. longislandsoundstudy. Have you ever seen a Gray Fox here on Long Island? How about a Long-tailed Weasel or a Mink? These three species are among several mammals whose status and distribution on Long Island are currently unknown. Some of the birds stay in Long Island, while others stop on their way to other destinations. ly/DontTrashLISound to view the entire Protect Our Wildlife animal series. Of those three, there is one that loves water and spends most of its time in and around it, and that’s a mink. Wildlife Clamming and Oystering Piping Plovers Raptors Forest Birds State-Listed Species Lobster and Fishes of Long Island Sound Long Island Sound’s species are trending towards animals that prefer warm water. Although the abun-dance and variety of organisms have decreased in recent years, as the coastline became more densely populated by Dec 9, 2019 · Hunting On Long Island While many people only like observing wildlife in Long Island, many others see it as an opportunity for sport. It forms the maritime border between the states of New York and Connecticut. Open daily, it’s the perfect place to spend the day! Discover fresh-picked Harbes produce and other local favorites, enjoy delicious foods and homemade ice cream, explore hours of outdoor fun During a recent Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership (L-TRAP) trip to retrieve traps that were lost over decades of fishing, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk and colleagues from Williams College and Project Oceanology discovered a European nudibranch, Doris pseudoargus, in Long Island Sound. Porpoises Harbor porpoises are the only porpoise species typically found in New York's marine waters, seen locally in bays, estuaries, and Long Island Sound. The east-west gradient of people and pollution Long Island Sound is an estuary located between the southern shore of Connecticut and the north shore of Long Island, New York. A critical aspect of the game farm is serving as a sanctuary to animals that have been rescued, rehabilitated, or re-homed, including Sicilian miniature donkeys, alpacas, African Sulcatta tortoises, peacocks, rabbits, goats, sheep, alligators, our beloved Gomez, a sulphur-crested cockatoo, and Nala, an African Serval cat! Curious about the many animals that inhabit the Long Island Sound? See them up close and personal in the aquarium! From turtles to seals and seahorses to sharks, our tanks are filled with all of your favorite sea creatures. Harbor seals have established several regular haul out sites in Long Island. CTSG-20-06. m. Not only does marine debris threaten the Sound’s fragile ecosystem, it weakens coastal economies by sapping From animal rescue groups to nature enthusiasts, there are Animal Organizations on Long Island that support, rescue, and rehabilitate both wild & domesticated animals. Limit the amount of fertilizers, chemicals and pesticides used around your home and dispose of them properly. I hope this issue of UPDATE informs you about some of the plants and animals of the Sound, and that you’ll take advantage of some of the places and opportunities around the Sound to learn more. Some familiar autumn night sounds include: The Long Island Sound Study's “Protect Our Wildlife” sticker series features many different creatures, all found in the Long Island Sound. It is a mix of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean. Bulls in backyards. The Sound provides crucial habitats that serve as nursery, Reducing threats to birds through monitoring and surveying, hands-on stewardship, and encouraging beachgoers to "share the shore. In the Long Island Sound, the location of natural oyster beds is, in most cases, close to shore and near to the mouths of its many tidal rivers. 48pp. Final Word Connecticut is home to many types of animals, including seven types of jellyfish, as well as two other gelatinous plankton that are referred to as jellies. Living Treasures: The Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound In the early 1990s Connecticut Sea Grant published a popular guidebook of Long Island Sound called Living Treasures: The Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound. The last extensive mammal survey on the island was conducted from 1960 – 1963. Its bays and inlets wind along coastal communities, adding up to around 600 miles of shoreline. This project follows… Read More In 2006, following years of efforts by the Long Island Sound Partnership Stewardship Work Group (now the Habitat Restoration and Stewardship Work Group) and its partners, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Initiative was formally established by Congress to help protect the diverse plants and animals that live in or near the estuary. May 28, 2020 · In Long Island Sound, males are finding it difficult to find females because of their scarcity. There are so many creatures in the Sound! Long Island Sound is home to many amazing animals. The 2025 Long Island Sound Beach Report provides a unique science- and data-driven analysis of their recent water quality history. Intertidal beds tend to be seasonal in nature and less structurally complex than subtidal beds (Fig. Only other mustelids around there, that are about that size are martens (bigger) and weasels (smaller). In Long Island Sound, as in any aquatic ecosystem, that food chain starts with the microscopic plants known as phytoplankton. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like several organisms that live in Long Island Sound, define phytoplankton, algal bloom and more. You’ll only see these jellies in Long Island Sound during the winter months. It has an average depth of 60 feet (20 meters) and a maximum depth of over 300 feet May 23, 2020 · Meet the four species of sea turtles that regularly inhabit Long Island's waters: loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, green and leatherback. Join a beach cleanup or report tagged horseshoe crabs. Long Island Sound, highlighted in pink between Connecticut (to the north) and Long Island (to the south) Long Island Sound is a marine sound and tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean. Discover Long Island Sound Long Island Sound is this region’s most important and beautiful natural resource. Plankton, both phytoplankton (plant-like) and zooplankton (animal-like), form the foundation upon which all other marine life depends. This target receives its data from Save the Sound in Connecticut and the American Littoral Society in New York, the local organizations that organize the cleanups and collect the data in Long Island Sound. Tidal Side-by-side these human uses, Long Island Sound continues to provide feeding, breeding, nesting, and nursery areas for diverse animal and plant life. Animal Senses: Senses are of key importance to the wellbeing of all organisms. Both the phytoplankton and zooplankton are eaten by shellfish, crustaceans, and small fish, which are in turn consumed by larger fish, birds, marine mammals and humans. They are likely to be rare in Long Island Sound. Mattei has recommended a moratorium on harvest until both New York and Connecticut can agree on a management plan for the horseshoe crabs of Long Island Sound, including more enforcement against illegal harvesting. 5Shorebirds 6Seahorses spotlight: 7Congressional Rep. . Proctor. These long-term changes place additional stress on the Sound Factsoriginally appeared as a weekly feature in The Day newspaper (New London, Connecticut). Covering 1,180 square miles, it serves as a critical habitat where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean, supporting over fifteen hundred species of marine and aquatic life. The size distribution of lobsters in the Long Island Sound remains truncated at the first molt increment above legal size Jul 30, 2020 · What kind of animals live in Long Island Sound? Long Island Sound is among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, serving as a home or breeding area to over 1, 200 species of invertebrates, 150 species of fish and many rare and migratory birds. It is important to enjoy wildlife from a distance. Science on the Sound Embark on the iconic Schooner SoundWaters, a beautiful three-masted sailing ship, to explore the deep waters of Long Island Sound. The other major category of shells comes from the gastropods, or sea snails. Humane Long Island’s John Di Leonardo earns high praise for his exotic animal rescues and relentless advocacy. Apr 9, 2024 · This resource is a 120-slide PowerPoint presentation with text, images, and maps that provide an overview of the plants and animals that live in Long Island Sound. As locals, we’re sharing , picturesque flower fields, farms with organic and fresh produce, and Long Island farms with animals and seasonal events. Nitrogen: Sound Enemy #1 The primary pollutant and threat to Long Island Sound is too much nitrogen entering the water from wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, fossil fuel burning, and fertilizer use. As part of the Grade 2 Long Island Sound Unit, students were given a native Long Island Sound animal to research and present to their classmates. It lies predominantly between the U. Jun 1, 2022 · Long Island Sound’s only stony coral species, northern star coral is being studied to see if its adaptability can help tropical corals threatened by climate change. Introduction Sound Vision is a product of a collaborative process that included an extensive review of the existing Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), tracking expenditures and program outcomes, surveys of the Long Island Sound Study’s (LISS) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) members, facilitated workshops and input from a wide range of stakeholders. It has an average depth of 60 feet (20 meters) and a maximum depth of over 300 feet Jun 20, 2024 · In the Long Island Sound region, Project Limulus has reported almost no shorebirds eating horseshoe crab eggs, due to a lack of access to the eggs. And, as much as it is a popular activity, resist the temptation to feed those geese, ducks and swans. The Sound is a major spawning ground for many species of finfish and shellfish and an essential food and rest stop for hundreds of species of migratory birds. View Implementation Actions for Jul 15, 2025 · Wallabies on subways. As followers of SoundWaters know, scallops, clams and oysters are filter feeders that have a major impact on water quality, and as area foodies know well, Long Island Sound is a key fishery for these animals. Jun 17, 2025 · Each habitat section contains general information, photo and video examples from New York and Connecticut, a discussion of habitat threats, and images of some of the plants and animals that inhabit each habitat. Sep 8, 2021 · The Long Island Sound Study (LISS) is a partnership of federal, state, and local government agencies, private organizations, and educational institutions working together to restore and protect Long Island Sound. They serve as feeding, breeding, and nursery areas for many species that spend most of their adult lives in the ocean. Sep 11, 2023 · Long Island Sound is a sound and tidal estuary of the Atlantic Ocean between Connecticut and New York State. Polychaetes can tolerate levels of dissolved oxygen of 1 mg per liter of water, according to the Chesapeake Bay Program. Fresh water from several large rivers (Connecticut, Thames, Housatonic and East) and numer-ous small ones dilute sea water coming in from the Atlantic Ocean; wa-ters in the eastern Sound near the open ocean are more saline (salt-ier Long Island Sound is home to seals, sea turtles and migrating shore birds and is occasionally visited by dolphins, porpoises and whales. Despite a declining number of licensed commercial lobstermen and reductions in the number of permitted traps, the Long Island Sound lobster fishery remains over capitalized. The grades in our fourth biennial Beach Report represent each individual beach’s Nov 30, 2017 · In New York, they’re often observed in shallower waters, such as Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, Fire Island and New York Harbor Although dolphins are widespread, most species prefer the warmer waters of the tropic zones, but some, like the right whale dolphin, prefer colder climates. Report sightings of whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles in Long Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean, Peconic Bay and other New York waters. Aug 16, 2021 · In Long Island Sound, saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean mixes with freshwater from rivers such as the Housatonic, Connecticut and Thames Rivers! Long Island Sound’s estuary is home to over 1,200 species of invertebrates (like oysters or crabs), 170 species of fish, and many different species of migratory birds, including songbirds. Feb 23, 2021 · There are many ways aquatic invasive species (plants and animals) can be introduced from other parts of the world into the Sound, including from the ballast water held in the cargo holds of ships, accumulating on ship hulls (known as biofouling), from the packaging material of fish bait, from watercraft and rain gardens, from intentional release fishing bait release, escape from nurseries and There are many ways you can help protect and restore Long Island Sound. Each is unique and necessary to keep animals healthy! Aquatic Movement: There are so many ways aquatic animals move! Observe examples in action with our Long Island Sound animals. The eastern oyster tolerates a wide range in environmental conditions The Long Island Sound ecosystem is a dynamic estuary located on the northeast coast of the United States, where saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean intermingles with freshwater from several rivers. Jun 18, 2023 · Long Island Sound Animals – More than 10 percent of Americans live within 50 miles of Long Island Sound. Wahle and N. Identify the habitats of Long Island Sound and explain their importance to animals. Turkeys rescued before Thanksgiving. Evidence from The Long Island sound is home to a large flora system which include seaweeds such as Monostroma, Gingellia, Focus, condrus, etc. An exploration of marine life in the Long Island Sound will reveal the intricate, complex interdependent relationships between marine creatures and their environment. Recently, lobsters in Long Island Sound have been experiencing unprecedented outbreaks of disease that have resulted in massive mortalities, particularly in the western Sound. It is about 3 miles (4. Horseshoe crabs bury their nests in the sand and population density can lead to horseshoe crabs digging up other crab nests during spawning events, exposing eggs on the beach’s surface. Sep 1, 2021 · Long Island Sound is bordered on the south by Long Island, New York and on the north and west by the coasts of Connecticut and Westchester County, New York Map reprinted with permission from Living Treasures: The Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound by L. What is making that sound? In the darkness it is impossible to see, but if you pause for a moment and listen, you might be able to figure out what animal made the sound. Economic impacts on the lobster fish- The American lobster, ery and related industries Homarus americanus, is a have been devastating. The Sound is one of the most heavily populated bodies of water in North America, and it plays a critical ecological role as a nursery for a diverse list of marine species May 21, 2023 · Save the Sound tracked trash data from their beach cleanups in the Long Island Sound over the past six years in a new report. Dolphins feed largely on fish and squid. Although exploitation rate is down, the combined natural and fishing mortality rate is up. NOAA ESI Marine Mammals Blue Plan Sector(s): Living Resources > Animals > Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles Summary Description: Marine mammals depicted in this atlas include seals, dolphins and whales. With their various sizes, colors, and traits, it’s fairly easy to tell these jellyfish apart. These microscopic organisms are consumed by a multitude of invertebrates, which in turn become food for larger Long Island Sound is a dynamic estuarine system encompassing di-verse habitats where plants and animals live. Describe the adaptations of coastal and marine plants that live in a brackish water environment. Our national policy team joined forces with Connecticut and New York to engage federal, state and local legislators What Makes Long Island Sound Special? Long Island Sound is an estuary, a place where saltwater from the ocean mixes with fresh water from rivers draining from the land. High nitrogen levels lead to harmful algae blooms, low oxygen (“hypoxic”) areas, fish die-offs, and loss of the coastal marshes that protect communities from flooding and provide important wildlife habitat Long Island Sound is also increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including increasing water temperatures and acidification, inundation of coastal wetlands, degradation of marine and nearshore terrestrial habitat, and shoreline flooding and high groundwater levels associated with intensifying rainfall and sea-level rise. It’s not a comprehensive list, however. Every year, thousands of birds of different species migrate to Long Island from different parts of the world. Jun 12, 2017 · The Bay Scallop’s larger cousin, the Atlantic Sea Scallop, lives in much deeper offshore water. For more information, please visit www. It forms the watery border between Long Island in New York and the state of Connecticut. net. The island is situated in Gardiners Bay, east of Orient Point, off the eastern end of the North Fork coast of Long Island. The Sound is home to more than 1,200 species of invertebrates, 170 species of fish, and dozens of migratory bird species that visit annually. Give examples of factors that affect populations of animals. This research, management, and education project began in 1985 as part of the National Estuary Program under the federal Clean Water Act. Mar 21, 2017 · In 2017 Yale University Press published his latest book, "A Field Guide to Long Island Sound," a comprehensive guide to the environmental history, natural environments, plants, and animals of the Sound. Also in Spanish translation: Tesoros Vivientes: Las plantas y Feb 8, 2010 · the water column, or pelagic zone, of Long Island Sound is home to many finfish and other interesting organisms, such as squid, jellyfish, and marine mammals. It is making an ambitious effort to restore the health of the Sound by supporting priority water and shorebird populations while balancing the needs of nature and people. In the spring the tautog are caught in the shallow water and during the fall run the tautog are caught in deep water up to 90 feet deep. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that most people think Long Island has a couple of raccoons, a possum here and there, Teacher's Guide science classes. They are primarily found on the eastern and southern coasts of Long Island bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Among the Northeast’s largest estuaries and most productive ecosystems, it is home to a vast array of marine life, such as fish and shellfish, as well as hundreds of species of birds and other mammals. It is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway linking the Atlantic Ocean, New York City Harbor, and points in between. The objective of this project was to create an accurate, up-to-date, waterproof, inexpensive and easily utilizable field identification guide for some of the most commonly Curious about the many animals that inhabit the Long Island Sound? See them up close and personal in the aquarium! From turtles to seals and seahorses to sharks, our tanks are filled with all of your favorite sea creatures. Without enough oxygen, fish, lobsters, crabs, and other aquatic animals struggle to Oct 25, 2012 · Warmer water explains the abundance of blue crabs in the Connecticut River and elsewhere in the Sound, said Tom Visel, a coordinator at the Sound School, in New Haven, who has been studying population shifts in Long Island Sound animals for several decades. Use less water and maintain your septic system. Help save marine animals! Oct 27, 2015 · While you are outdoors you just might hear an eerie squawk, squeak, or snort coming from the woods. " In spring and summer, Connecticut's Long Island Sound beaches and islands become a nursery for federally and state-protected birds like the Piping Plover, Least Tern Jun 28, 2023 · Long Island Sound is home to a wide variety of crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and numerous species of shellfish. Promoting observation, nurturing wonder, and cultivating curiosity, this study will enable students to construct a reservoir of knowledge from which Nov 14, 2025 · 3 NYC teens, 1 adult arrested for multiple burglaries across Long Island By Muri Assunção November 14, 2025 at 11:16 a. Click or tap bit. Led by Paul Connor, a scientist with the New York State Museum and Science Service, it culminated in the Home Targets/Indicators Habitats and Wildlife Ecosystem Targets and Indicators Lobster Abundance Ecosystem Targets and Supporting Indicators Lobster Abundance Lobster has historically been an important fishery in Long Island Sound but populations have declined in recent years. 6 km) wide at its widest point. The Long Island Sound also varies in depth, with some places reaching 230 feet deep. The Sound covers some 1,180 square miles, 90 miles long and between 3 and 20 miles wide, depending on the location. Discuss how freshwater insects can be used to predict freshwater stream health. Other plants found include cordgrass, sea lavender, bayberry, sea rocket, hazelnut, poison Ivy, bitter sweet etc. “Beyond protecting benthic habitats, this discovery is one of the reasons why our L-TRAP The primary pollution threat to Long Island Sound is too much nitrogen entering the water from wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, fossil fuel burning, and fertilizer use. The The bottom line is that Long Island Sound, in addition to being a great place to recreate, is a fascinating place for education. The phytoplankton are eaten by small animals known as zooplankton. About the Long Island Sound Study The Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Island Sound Study is a cooperative effort involving researchers, regulators, user groups and other concerned organizations and individuals. The Sound provides crucial habitats that serve as nursery, The native oyster is the most common of the habitat-forming species. This amazing place is like a giant nursery for many different kinds of ocean animals. [1] Plum Island is the site of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), which was established by the United Sep 18, 2025 · More wildlife is being seen and tracked across the Long Island Sound. This project follows Next Generation Science Standards LS2-2, LS2-3, and LS2-4. Plum Island, Great Gull Island, and Little Gull Island make up this Stewardship Area just off the northeast coast of Long Island. Mar 15, 2010 · Microscopic animals (zooplankton) receive energy by grazing on tiny plants (phytoplankton); energy then transfers up through complex pathways known as food webs as higher animal species eat lower animals and plants. Page 2 The Long Island Sound Resource Catalogue for Educators and Parents This online catalogue includes materials and resources that focus on Long Island Sound and its watershed or on other applicable lessons such as general estuarine science. Later, in 1997, the facts were compiled into “Sound Facts: fun facts about Long Island Sound,” published by Connecticut Sea Grant and funded by Connecticut Sea Grant and the EPA Long Island Sound Study. The most common seal found in the atlas area is the harbor seal. Read below for ways that you can do your part to restore and protect Long Island Sound. The illustration shows a simplified Long Island Sound food web. Less-known to visitors is the 400-acre tidal marsh complex located south and west of the mouth of the Nissequogue River. The most common in Harbes Farms Updates: Harbes family farm Harbes Family Farm is the heart of our farm family—home to our original farmstand, Barnyard Adventure attraction, and Harbes Vineyard Wine Barn Tasting Room. Here are some examples of the wildlife you might find on Long Island. Undersea Ecosystems Education Level (s): 6-8 Marine life study cruise with focus on examining the diets and interrelationships of Long Island Sound animals. Fresh water from several large rivers (Connecticut, Thames, Housatonic and East) and numer-ous small ones dilute sea water coming in from the Atlantic Ocean; wa-ters in the eastern Sound near the open ocean are more saline (salt-ier Curious about the many animals that inhabit the Long Island Sound? See them up close and personal in the aquarium! From turtles to seals and seahorses to sharks, our tanks are filled with all of your favorite sea creatures. Importance Marine animals can be entangled by debris such as fish lines and can choke on debris such as plastic bags. It is diverse and serves as a breeding ground to many different types of marine animal species; the following is a list of said species by scientific and/or common name. The second graders then went on a field trip to SoundWaters, in Stamford, CT, an organization that works to protect the Long Island Sound through education and action. This unique environment supports a rich diversity of life, hosting over 100 plant species, 1,200 invertebrates, and 170 fish species. Living TreasuresPage 4 Long Island Sound Study – Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, providing feeding, breeding, nesting, and nursery areas for many animals. With how large this sound is, you can imagine that many animals call it home, including sharks This is an updated and expanded guide to the plants and animals of Long Island Sound, with overview information about the estuary, maps, line drawings of the plants, animals and different habitats. The LongIsland Sound Study LISS!is a partnership of federal,state, and local government agencies, private organizations, and educational institutions working together to restoreand protectLong Island Sound. Explore the ways in which animals sense the world around them. He and his son recently caught 67 crabs in 75 minutes in Essex. Worse, trash can choke or poison wildlife. It’s about 110 miles long from the East River in New York City and 21 miles wide at its widest point. It is a critical resource for plants, animals, people, and businesses. Long Island Game Farm is home to many exciting, exotic, and local species. They were produced as a collaboration between The Day and the authors named below. The report, “Survey of Plum Island’s Subtidal Marine Habitats,” was prepared by […] Abstract Many of the marine-based educators around Long Island Sound only have access to huge textbook-sized keys that are too heavy and cumbersome to bring out into the field and also run the risk of getting ruined. In 2007, six million pounds of trash were collected on beaches during the International Coastal Long Island Sound is a significant estuary situated between New York and Connecticut to the north and Long Island to the south. These creatures play an important role in the ecosystem of the sound, serving both as prey for larger predators and as scavengers that help to clean up the marine environment. These stickers help to highlight our social media campaign to break the single-use plastic habit. Even though the island is only 840 acres, it has a huge impact on marine and terrestrial wildlife because of its history of being mostly untouched by humans. But how wide is Long Island Sound? Old Greenwich, CT – Volunteers staff the center’s touch tank, educate visitors about the ecology of Long Island Sound, collect animals for marine tanks, conduct water quality tests and biodiversity research, and assist with weekly activities for the public including nature walks, crafts, squid dissections, and seining. state of Connecticut to the north and Long Island in New York state to the south. Nov 16, 2025 · The Foundation: Plankton and Invertebrates The base of the Long Island Sound’s food web is teeming with life too small to see with the naked eye. To view a larger version of the poster, download the pdf document Oct 20, 2023 · Spanning the borders of New York and Connecticut, Long Island Sound is an ecologically important east coast estuary. Aug 14, 2023 · The Long Island Sound is 230 feet deep at the deepest point. They explored Cove Island Park by testing the water for salinity, acidity, and A CONNECTING LANDSCAPE Beautiful and mysterious Plum Island is an 822-acre, inspiring landscape about a mile and a half off the eastern tip of Orient Point, New York, where Long Island Sound and the Peconic Estuary mix with clean, oxygen-rich, ocean waters. Students will study the bottom dwelling animals, called benthic organisms, and explore the important body systems of these animals. Jan 31, 2023 · Marine Animals of Southern New England and New York, a guide to animals in Long Island Sound, identifies more than 80 species in the Sound. The Long Island Sound Study's “Protect Our Wildlife” sticker series features many different creatures, all found in the Long Island Sound. Turtles, fish, and birds other species you love seeing in Long Island Sound can become entangled in fishing line, nets, and six-pack rings. Continued on page 2. The annual economic value of Long Island Sound and the lands that drain to it has been calculated at $17 to $37 billion, and its importance to Jan 20, 2021 · The Long Island Sound is an estuary between New York’s Long Island and the state of Connecticut. 8 km) long and 1 mile (1. Nov 30, 2023 · Long Island is a region abundant in birdlife. uab wjcnuhu lzxsk qpgb edm kkuwso rqf nggze aggs bvzt jxwvrr ztxof hbnztch jfi qbgepzh