Publications:
Fact Cards
 Long
Island Sound is bounded by Connecticut
and Westchester County, New York, on
the north and by Long Island on the
south. The sound is approximately 110
miles long (east to west) and prized
for its beauty, abundant and diverse
resources, and recreational and commercial
opportunities. For many it is a source
of inspiration; for others, a means
of economic survival-but for both there
is a conviction that Long Island Sound
is worthy of preservation, restoration,
and protection.
Facts About the Estuary
- More
than eight million people live in
the watershed and more than 21 million
people within a 50-mile radius.
- Boating,
commercial and sport fishing, swimming,
and beach going generate more than
$5 billion annually in the local
economy.
- More
than 60,000 acres of shellfish grounds
are cultivated in Connecticut's
coastal water by the aquaculture
industry contributing $11.5 million
to the local economy.
- Hard
clams (or quahogs), soft-shell clams
(or steamers), bay scallops, blue
mussels, surf clams, and razor clams
are all harvested.
- Over
120 species of finfish live in the
sound, including 21 tropical species
that stray
here seasonally.
- Across
the sound 200,000 boats are registered.
- Over
125 species of birds rely on the
estuary system for food and habitat.
Health
of the Estuary
- From
mid-July through September, oxygen
levels drop below levels adequate
to support healthy populations of
aquatic life.
- Nitrogen
loadings caused by human activity
come from 111 sewage treatment plants
that discharge into the sound.
- In
1989, 76 percent of Connecticut's
sewage treatment plants tested were
non-toxic.
- In
1999, 94 percent were non-toxic.
In 1998 and 1999, no New York municipal
treatment facilities discharging
to Long Island Sound exhibited toxicity.
- Levels
of metals and organics found in
Long Island Sound mussels have declined.
- Osprey
populations fell sharply in the
1950s and 1960s due to pesticides
like DDT.
- Over
the past 100 years, filling, dredging,
and development has destroyed approximately
25-35 percent of the area's tidal
wetlands.
Accomplishments
of the Estuary Program
- Reduced
nitrogen loadings 19.2 percent over
the past decade resulting in improved
oxygen levels and reduced algae
growth.
- Opened
8.8 river miles to anadromous fish
in 1998, and restored 17.1 river
miles in 1999.
- Restored
more than 308 acres of tidal wetland
habitat since 1993. More than 37
sites have been selected for habitat
restoration projects.
- The
New York Department of Environmental
Conservation awarded over $2.5 million
in 1999 Bond Act funds to communities
to restore over 85 acres of aquatic
habitat.
- Awarded
$150,000 to research programs and
$131,952 to 41 educational, informational
and construction projects in 1999.
- Responded
to 582 information requests and
reached 10,420 people at events
in 1999.
- Continued
Nonpoint Education for Municipal
Officials (NEMO) project linking
land use and water quality.
For
Viewing and Printing:
Before printing one or more of these National
Estuary Program files,
check out each of their text only versions for
quick viewing.
To view each of the PDF versions, you will need Adobe
Acrobat Reader software, which can be downloaded FREE
from Adobe's site through a direct link.
|
|
