Port Jefferson, NY – In recognition of Long Island Sound Day, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay hosted a press conference at East Beach in Port Jefferson Village on May 22, 2026, bringing together elected officials, local organizations, and community members to recognize the environmental, cultural, and economic significance of the Long Island Sound to District 4’s communities.

For the second year in a row, Assemblywoman Kassay sponsored the resolution designating Long Island Sound Day in New York State. The designation underscores the importance of continued investment in the health and sustainability of the Sound, which serves as a vital environmental, recreational, and economic resource for surrounding communities. Traditionally observed on the Friday before Memorial Day in both New York and Connecticut, Long Island Sound Day highlights the importance of environmental stewardship, education, and continued investment in preserving the Sound for future generations ecological and economic benefit.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “Long Island Sound is more than a body of water: it is the beating heart of our region. It feeds our families, drives our economy, and gives us places to gather, explore, and restore ourselves. Long Island Sound Day is our opportunity to celebrate that relationship and recommit ourselves to being good stewards of this irreplaceable resource for the generations that will inherit it.”

The event featured remarks from elected officials and community organizations who have long-championed preservation and stewardship efforts related to the Long Island Sound, including Seth Squicciarino representing Senator Monica Martinez, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, Village of Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, Save the Sound Vice President David Ansel, New York Sea Grant representative Elizabeth Hornstein, and George Hoffman and Laurie Vetere from the Setauket Harbor Task Force.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, shared, “This is the body of water that really gave rise to our original settlements and we’ve taken advantage of it in the past. It is important on this day to stand back and congratulate ourselves, and say how well we’ve done, but also how much more we need to do, because the task of protecting this resource is a really fundamental part of our quality of life. And if we allow the Long Island Sound to be deteriorated, we really undercut the rationale for why we are here in the first place. So it is good to be with you all today, and I want to thank all the advocates who are with us, and particularly to Rebecca for bringing us together.”

Reflecting on the her own personal connection to the Port Jefferson East Beach and the Long Island Sound, Village of Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow illustrated the feeling of the Long Island Sound and the deep connection many Long Islanders themselves share with it, stating, “From the joy and wonder of childhood experiences to the responsibility of stewardship in adulthood, the Long Island Sound belongs to all of us, and protecting it is one of the most important legacies we can leave behind. Thanks again to Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and to her dedicated staff for bringing us together today and for helping align the stewards of this shared resource and for continuing to elevate the importance of protecting and preserving the Long Island Sound for generations to come.”

Commenting on the efforts that must be continued to preserve the quality of the sound, Save the Sound Center for Water Protection Vice President David Ansel stated, “We know that investing in clean water is an investment that pays off for everybody. It drives more and better economics and safer, more resilient communities to the Long Island Sound. We have to continue to invest in wastewater infrastructure, stormwater improvements, green infrastructure, and the work goes on. There is a lot more to do, and I'm really excited to be here today to celebrate Long Island Sound Day with elected officials here who really care and are helping us get this important work done.”

Reflecting on their mission and why the Long Island Sound is important to them, representatives of the Setauket Harbor Task Force Laurie Vetere and George Hoffman shared, “What better way to kick off the summer than to be here in this majestic water body, the Long Island Sound. It's really important. It’s one of twenty-eight national estuaries. And in the science of estuaries, it's really where all marine life begins. So just an important resource. I am glad to work with everybody, our partners, Assemblywoman Kassay and Steve Englebright and David from Save the Sound. Thank you very much. It's great to be here. We love the Sound.”

Elizabeth Hornstein from the New York Sea Grant commented on the importance of Long Island Sound Day, stating, “That’s why days like today, where we can take a moment to recognize and appreciate the Sound and its watershed and all that it has to offer, are so incredibly important. I think that Long Island Sound Day serves as a reminder for us all to protect this resource that we share and to go out and enjoy it. So thank you Assemblywoman Kassay, to everyone working to protect and care for the Sound, thank you so much.”

The Sound is a critical waterway, serving as a sanctuary for over 120 species of finfish and countless other marine and avian species, including seals, humpback whales, ospreys, and piping plovers, making it an essential habitat for biodiversity and migratory wildlife. Its watershed encompasses parts of nine New York counties and six states in total, providing critical natural resources to a population of nearly nine million people, including four million New Yorkers.

Beyond its environmental importance, Long Island Sound is a significant economic engine for the surrounding regions. The Sound generates approximately $9 billion annually to the local economy, driving industries such as tourism, boating, fishing, and coastal real estate. It supports more than 50,000 jobs across these sectors, creating a ripple effect in local economies through businesses ranging from restaurants and hotels to marine supply shops and ecotourism. The Sound provides a platform for countless recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, bird watching, and beach recreation, attracting local residents and travelers alike.

In addition, Long Island Sound offers bountiful opportunities for scientific research and environmental education. Universities, research institutions, and environmental organizations regularly conduct studies and make efforts to monitor water quality, improve habitat restoration, and manage fisheries. These efforts contribute to preserving the health of the Sound for future generations and help educate the public on the importance of protecting this unique ecosystem.

Assemblywoman Kassay thanked all participating organizations, advocates, and community members for their continued commitment to preserving one of the region’s most treasured natural resources. For more information, please call Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094.