K 556: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 23, 2025, as Long Island Sound Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 556 BY: M. of A. Kassay MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 23, 2025, 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 23, 2025, as Long Island Sound Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound, which stretches from the Western Narrows in New York City and the Sound Shore of Westchester County to Connecticut, and the northern shores of Long Island, is an estuary where saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean mixes with freshwater from in-land rivers and upwelling groundwater, stretching 21 miles wide at its widest points and 113 miles long; and WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound has been designated an Estuary of National Significance by the Environmental Protection Agency, and as such, the Environmental Protection Agency, the states of New York and Connecticut, researchers, user groups, and other concerned organizations and individuals are working collaboratively to protect and improve the health of the Long Island Sound; and WHEREAS, Commercial and recreational activities in the Long Island Sound generate upwards of nine billion dollars in the economy every year with 500,000 boats registered in the area of the Long Island Sound, and nearly 750,000 recreational fishermen utilizing this extraordinary natural resource; and WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound has 600 miles of coastline with beaches, ports, parks, and more that are enjoyed by many, and its nearly 17,000 square mile watershed, which covers six states, including pieces of nine New York counties, is home to nine million people -nearly four million of which are New York residents; and WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea turtles, seals, diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, humpback whales, river otters, and more than 120 species of finfish, as well as several shark species; and WHEREAS, Several notable bird species can be found in Long Island Sound's coastal habitats including the American oystercatchers, piping plovers, saltmarsh sparrows, roseate terns, snowy egrets, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys; and WHEREAS, This water body serves an important role in the life cycles of many species, with at least 50 species known to spawn in the sound, and some places along its coastal environment serving as stopover sites for migratory birds; and WHEREAS, The Long Island Sound is a destination appreciated by both residents and visitors who seek the exceptional natural, scenic, and recreational qualities of this great Empire State; 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 23, 2025, 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.