Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act - Summer

Team Members: Emily Clark, Jackson Guzé, Miranda Alquist, Aiyana Bodi, Erica Glenn, Emma Gosliner, Julia Koppman Norton, Michelle Liu, Sage Solomine, Sid Tulsiani, Lindsay Weiner

Long Island Sound is a heavily urbanized estuary that has experienced decades of environmental degradation from nitrogen pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Nutrient runoff from wastewater and urban development has caused oxygen depletion, ecosystem decline, and loss of fisheries. The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act reauthorizes federal funding for restoration programs and directs the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct monitoring, support restoration efforts, and coordinate regional management strategies.

Analysis identifies wastewater infrastructure upgrades, wetland restoration, and nutrient reduction as the most effective strategies for improving water quality. Strengthening coordination among federal, state, and local agencies enhances restoration effectiveness. Public engagement and stakeholder collaboration support long-term ecosystem management. Restoring wetlands and eelgrass improves habitat quality and strengthens coastal resilience to climate change. Continued investment in restoration improves water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services while protecting economic activities dependent on the Sound.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.