Between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, the states of Connecticut and New York set aside a day to celebrate something many residents care deeply about: Long Island Sound.
Observed each year on the Friday before Memorial Day, Long Island Sound Day recognizes the environmental, recreational, and economic importance of the Sound. This year, Long Island Sound Day falls on May 22, just ahead of the unofficial start of summer, when beaches, boating, fishing, and waterfront activities begin ramping up across the region.
Why Long Island Sound Matters
Long Island Sound is an estuary of national significance that supports wildlife, recreation, tourism, commercial fisheries, and coastal communities throughout Connecticut and New York. Nearly all Connecticut residents live within the Long Island Sound watershed. Combined with New York, more than four million people live within the coastal boundary, meaning everyday actions on land can directly affect the health of the Sound.
Over the past several decades, investments in wastewater treatment upgrades, septic improvements, and pollution reduction efforts have helped improve water quality and reduce the severity of hypoxia, or low dissolved oxygen conditions in the water. Hypoxia can stress marine life and impact ecosystems in parts of the Sound.
While conditions in Long Island Sound are healthier today than they were decades ago, ongoing stewardship and restoration efforts remain important to protecting the Sound for future generations.
In Connecticut, Long Island Sound Day was established by the General Assembly in 1997, officially recognizing the celebration as an annual event. In New York, the day has been recognized for the past four years through annual resolutions by the New York State Legislature. The idea behind the day is to encourage residents to recognize, enjoy, and help protect one of the region’s most valuable natural resources. It also provides a special opportunity to highlight the ongoing work happening year-round to protect and restore the Sound through conservation, research, education, and community stewardship.
Long Island Sound Day Events
To mark the occasion, the Long Island Sound Partnership and partner organizations are hosting events focused on stewardship, education, and conservation.
Featured Long Island Sound Day events include:
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