For nearly three decades, the Coastal Research and Educational Society of Long Island (CRESLI) has combined scientific research with public education to promote stewardship of marine life along Suffolk’s South Shore. Founded in 1996 by marine mammal experts and educators, CRESLI continues to play a leading role in studying whales and seals off Long Island’s coast while inspiring thousands to protect these vital ecosystems.
Dr. Arthur H. “Artie” Kopelman, CRESLI’s president and senior scientist, has spent decades observing fin, humpback, and other whales in New York waters. Since 2006, his research has focused on harbor seals at Cupsogue Park in Westhampton Beach, where he conducts long-term photo-identification studies to track the animals’ movements and population trends. “Our goal is to connect people directly to these magnificent animals,” Dr. Kopelman said. “Through education and research, we build the awareness and stewardship needed to ensure their survival.”
CRESLI’s work extends beyond the shoreline. The all-volunteer organization partners with institutions such as Gotham Whale, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and Stony Brook University to share data on marine mammals across the New York Bight and beyond. Whale-watch cruises and guided seal walks serve as both research platforms and educational experiences, allowing the public to actively participate in conservation science.
Sandbars in Moriches Bay are popular hauling out areas for harbor, gray, harp, and other seal species.
“Every photo taken, every sighting reported, helps us understand these species better,” Dr. Kopelman noted. “The public’s involvement has been invaluable in revealing just how essential Long Island’s waters are to whales, seals, and sea turtles.”
A member of the South Shore Estuary Reserve Citizens Advisory Committee, CRESLI also advises regional policymakers on coastal issues. “Our mission,” Dr. Kopelman said, “is to ensure that Long Island’s coastal ecosystems are studied, understood, and protected for generations to come.”