Long Island Sound is Connecticut’s largest and most important natural resource. More than 8 million people live in the Long Island Sound watershed and the activities that take place on and along the Sound – boating, fishing, tourism, and swimming – contribute an estimated $5.5 billion per year to the regional economy. The Sound provides feeding, breeding, and nesting areas for a diversity of plant and animal life.

One of the region’s largest estuaries with an area of 1320 square miles, the Sound is home to more than 120 species of finfish and countless varieties of birds and other animals. Between New York and Connecticut, the Sound’s coastline stretches more than 600 miles.

Over the last three decades, Connecticut has made a significant commitment to protecting and restoring the Sound. Millions and millions of dollars have been invested in communities throughout its watershed to address pollution concerns and protect the tidal wetlands along its shore.

Throughout this section you will find more information about the overall health of the Sound, the programs in place to protect and restore the Sound, and the recreational and access opportunities available to the public on and along the Sound.