Senate Resolution No. 2377

BY: Senator MARTINEZ

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 24, 2024, as Long Island Sound Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase public awareness of, and
appreciation for, the natural resources of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is moved to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 24, 2024, as Long Island Sound Day
in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound, which stretches from New York City
to southern Westchester County, Connecticut, and the northern shores of
Long Island, is an estuary where saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean mixes
with water from in-land rivers and upwelling groundwater; and

WHEREAS, Commercial and recreational activities in the Long Island
Sound generate upwards of nine billion dollars in the economy every
year; 500,000 boats are registered in the area of the Long Island Sound,
and nearly 750,000 recreational fishermen utilize this extraordinary
natural resource; and

WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound is 21 miles wide at its widest points
and 113 miles long; it has 600 miles of coastline; and

WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound's ecosystem is home to zooplankton
and phytoplankton, kelp also known as "brown algae," wild Irish moss,
Dulse known as a "sea vegetable," several species of jellyfish, bay
scallops, clams, horseshoe crabs and starfish; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, it is home to sea turtles and more than 150
species of fish, as well as several shark species; and

WHEREAS, Several bird species can be found including the American
Oystercatchers, Piping Plovers, Saltmarsh Sparrows, Roseate Terns, Snowy
Egrets, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Ospreys; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, both river otters and humpback whales, who had
not been seen in more than a century, can once again be found in the
Long Island Sound due to the incredible efforts that have been made to
rehabilitate the area; and

WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound is a destination appreciated by both
residents and visitors who seek the natural, scenic, and recreational
qualities of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound further serves as a hub for
scientific research and preservation efforts including the Long Island
Sound Study, a bi-state partnership of researchers, non-profit
organizations, and both federal and state agencies to restore and

protect the sound through intentional efforts in nitrogen management,
habitat restoration, water quality monitoring and public education; and

WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound remains a beautiful landmark which
the State of New York is proud to serve and protect for generations to
come; and

WHEREAS, New York joins with its sister state, Connecticut, in
declaring the Friday before Memorial Day as Long Island Sound Day; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 24, 2024, as Long
Island Sound Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.