Here is a statistical list of data on the sound including area, depth, temperatures, and species inhabiting it. Some of these species include American eels, cod, harbor seals, and striped bass.
Long Island Sound – By the Numbers
- Area of the Long Islan1,320 square miles
- Area of the drainage basin or watershed16,820 square miles
- Average Depth63 feet (60-120 feet)
- Water Volume18 trillion gallons
- Length of Coastline600 miles
- Salinity range at the western end23 parts per thousand
- Salinity range at the eastern end35 parts per thousand
- % of fresh water that comes from three major rivers90%
- Avg. winter and summer water temperatures (2011)37°F winter/69°F summer
- No. of tides each day (greatest tides in the west)4 tides (2 high, 2 low)
- Population living within 50 milesmore than 23 million people
- Estimated value to the local economy per year$8.91 billion (2011 dollars)
source: http://longislandsoundstudy.net/about-the-sound/by-the-numbers/
Currently the sound is used for boating, fishing, swimming/beach going, transportation of people and goods, and power generation. Through these activities the sound generates about $8.5 billion annually. To keep the sound clean and healthy and allow these activities to continue to occur, permit programs have been enacted to regulate pollution, tidal wetlands have been protected, and attempts are being made at control industrial discharge.
One main problem the sound is suffering is hypoxia, or low dissolved oxygen levels. This is mainly caused by an excess of nitrogen in the water, which leads to an increase of algae. This algae uses up oxygen and then dies, lowering he amount dissolved in the water. Without sufficient levels of oxygen, fish and other species cannot survive and the populations of these species declines. To fix this problem, the amount of nitrogen following into the sound is being regulated.
Industrial discharge can release heavy metals into the environment. Toxic contaminants such as mercury can build up in fish, making them dangerous for consumption. Currently, restrictions on striped bass and bluefish have been advised.
Floating debris is a problem nonspecific to the Long Island Sound but still affects it. To combat this problem, “New York City Department of Environmental Protection deploys a vessel, the Cormorant, that collects tons of debris each year from Long Island Sound and other New York City waters.” Another thing being done is that “volunteers groups in New York and Connecticut collect debris in Long Island Sound Beaches as part of the International Coastal Cleanup in September each year. These clean-ups are partially funded through the Long Island Sound Futures Fund small grants program.” (longislandsoundstudy.net)