Ionian Enchantment By the Sea: A Stewardship System for the Long Island Sound Ecosystem

Donald Henne

Synopsis:

The Coastal Program of the US Fish and Wildlife Service is guiding the identification of exemplary and significant ecological sites in the Long Island Sound ecosystem. This effort is driven by the Long Island Sound Study of the US EPA and is fueled by the Sound's diverse stakeholders. The initial intent to identify ecological "gems" has been enlarged to include sites providing access and nature-linked recreation. This presentation summarizes the process, and modestly describes the opportunity to unify conservation biology, resource economics, and other social sciences to sustain the Sound's functions and services.