New Yorkers along coastal shores are reminded to keep a safe distance from marine mammals and resist the urge to intervene when an animal comes ashore. Marine mammals, which include whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals, are protected by federal and state laws to ensure they are not harmed and to keep people at a safe distance. [Read more…] about Avoid Close Encounters with Marine Mammals
Marine Life
Watch for Marine Life in New York’s Waters
New York’s ocean waters are home to various kinds of marine life, including large whales and dolphins.
Whales and dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and boaters must remain at a distance from marine life for everyone’s safety. [Read more…] about Watch for Marine Life in New York’s Waters
James Eights: An Albany Artist-Scientist Who Explored Antarctica in 1830
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, there were a growing number of adventurers anxious to explore the sea, find new lands, chart new islands, and if they made their fortune while doing it, all the better.
There were also those just trying to get away from home and signing on to a whaling ship seemed the adventure of a lifetime. [Read more…] about James Eights: An Albany Artist-Scientist Who Explored Antarctica in 1830
2022 Long Island Sound Seaweed Bioextraction Symposium
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2022 Long Island Sound Seaweed Bioextraction Symposium will be held virtually this year on May 18th and 19th, from 1 to 5 pm. [Read more…] about 2022 Long Island Sound Seaweed Bioextraction Symposium
1940s Tugboat, Barge Sunk For Artificial Reef
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the deployment of two steel vessels, the Chickadee on the McAllister Grounds Reef and Barge 226 on Smithtown Reef, as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to expand New York’s network of artificial reefs.
These final deployments for 2021 continue to build on DEC’s efforts to develop a stronger, more diverse marine ecosystem and provide shelter for fish and other marine life off New York’s shores. [Read more…] about 1940s Tugboat, Barge Sunk For Artificial Reef
Microplastics: All That Glitters Isn’t Green
We’re told that diamonds are eternal, but it turns out that glitter, which is just as sparkly and way cheaper, could be equally enduring. Parents, teachers and day-care providers know that despite their efforts to wash the stuff down the drain, glitter will inevitably wind up in their breakfast, their eyes, or on the lapels of their business suit worn to a crucial meeting with the boss.
I never would have imagined that glitter could be a pollutant of concern. At my age I need glasses to find a postage stamp – it’s a long shot that I could help pick up glitter. It seems fair to ask whether there aren’t bigger fish to fry. [Read more…] about Microplastics: All That Glitters Isn’t Green
A New Survey of Whales in the New York Bight
Researchers have published the results of their multi-year aerial study investigating six large whale species in the New York Bight, a triangular area of coastal ocean waters between Long Island and New Jersey.
These results provide data on the year-round occurrence of large whales and is expected to help guide conservation efforts to mitigate impacts from anthropogenic threats. [Read more…] about A New Survey of Whales in the New York Bight
The Barge ‘Shannon C’ Scuttled At Shinnecock Artificial Reef
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced it has deployed the steel barge Shannon C on the Shinnecock Reef as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to enrich New York’s network of artificial reefs.
The artificial reefs are an effort to develop a stronger, more diverse marine ecosystem that could provide better shelter for fish and other marine life off New York’s shores. [Read more…] about The Barge ‘Shannon C’ Scuttled At Shinnecock Artificial Reef
DEC’s Opens New Division of Marine Resources Headquarters
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) new Marine Resources headquarters has opened in the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park, in Suffolk County. [Read more…] about DEC’s Opens New Division of Marine Resources Headquarters
The Billion Oyster Project Is Working To Restore NY’s Oyster Reefs
The Billion Oyster Project is a nonprofit organization on a mission to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor through public education initiatives.
Why oysters? Their reefs provide habitat for many marine species, have the ability to filter water, protect water quality, and help shield New York City shorelines from storm damage. [Read more…] about The Billion Oyster Project Is Working To Restore NY’s Oyster Reefs