2024 Save the Sound Report Card Release
How healthy are our coastal waters? The latest Save the Sound report card reveals insights that impacts us all.
On October 10th, NESS attended the release of the Save the Sound report card at Project Oceanology in Groton. Save the Sound's Unified Water Study (UWS) is designed to measure human impact on and the relative environmental health of Long Island Sound embayments. The study brings together organizations across the region to monitor water quality, focusing on the ecological health of these coastal areas.
As part of the UWS, NESS partners with Save the Sound to collect water quality data in key locations, including Stonington Harbor and Alewife Cove in New London. The parameters we monitor include dissolved oxygen, conductivity (salinity), chlorophyll a, temperature, turbidity, and qualitative macrophyte assessments. These measurements help gauge the impact of human activities and track the overall health of the waters we rely on.
The report revealed that many areas struggling with water quality issues are near improperly treated sewage plants. This recurring problem emphasizes the importance of proper wastewater management to protect our waterways. However, the report also highlighted actions that everyone can take to maintain and improve our water health, such as planting native plant species, reducing water usage, limiting or eliminating fertilizer use, shrinking your carbon footprint, and spreading awareness of these important issues.
Jason Krumholz provided an optimistic outlook despite ongoing challenges. He noted...
“The Western Narrows, unfortunately, has continuously scored an F since 2008. But when does an F contain a hopeful sign for the future? Well, despite the low score, we do see moderate improvement in this basin when we look at our 16-year trend. The dissolved organic carbon indicator, which we view as the leading edge of long-term change, has been maintaining an upward trend, and that’s very promising for the future. New York City has invested very heavily in nitrogen pollution reduction at sewage treatment plants, and this evidence suggests that the investment may be starting to pay off. Much more work needs to be done, but there’s evidence that our investments are having measurable positive impacts on this region."
Jason Krumholz
Ph.D.
The good news is that water quality is improving in some areas, like the Outer Stonington Harbor—where NESS plays a role in data collection. This area was ranked among the top five on the report card. However, challenges remain in places like Long Island Sound’s bays and urban centers. The Western Narrows continue to receive the lowest score, but we remain hopeful that sustained efforts will lead to future improvement.
Despite our region being in the healthier zone, this is not a time to relax our efforts. In fact, Inner Stonington Harbor has actually dropped a letter grade since the last report in 2022, highlighting the need to keep pushing for improvements and not let up in our conservation work.
Despite our region being in the healthier zone, this is not a time to relax our efforts. In fact, Inner Stonington Harbor has actually dropped a letter grade since the last report in 2022, highlighting the need to keep pushing for improvements and not let up in our conservation work.
At NESS, our mission goes beyond gathering data. We aim to educate our students and the public about the state of our waters and engage them in meaningful action. We are incorporating these findings into our programs, teaching students how to collect and analyze data and understand how they can contribute to a healthier water system. We also encourage students to brainstorm ways to make a difference in their communities by raising awareness and driving positive change.
We hope that everyone will do their part to help preserve and protect our waterways, whether through small personal changes or active community involvement. Every action counts toward ensuring a healthier future for Long Island Sound and beyond.
We hope that everyone will do their part to help preserve and protect our waterways, whether through small personal changes or active community involvement. Every action counts toward ensuring a healthier future for Long Island Sound and beyond.
