Get to know Barrier Beach Wildlife.
Our beaches are home to diverse plants and animals — from piping plovers to marine life — all part of a fragile coastal ecosystem.
Photo: Morgan Berk
Living on the Barrier Beach means sharing space with wildlife that depends on this environment to survive. Learn how to protect nesting birds, marine mammals, and dune vegetation by observing from a distance, keeping pets leashed, and respecting marked habitats.
Wildlife
Barrier Beach residents are immersed in the South Shore Estuary Reserve’s beauty, and we must be stewards of the environment that drew many of us to live here.
Some quick links for wildlife concerns that may need immediate attention:
Wildlife Conflicts
NYSDEC Nuisance Wildlife Species
Report Injured Wildlife
NYSDEC Wildlife Health
Wildlife Center LI
Report Dead Wildlife
NYSDEC Report Dead Wildlife
Report Injured/Dead Marine Mammals or Sea Turtles:
Call the 24-Hour NYS Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline: (631) 369-9829
Learn more about about our local wildlife and the sensitive coastal habitats below!
Observing marine mammals like whales, dolphins, and seals in New York’s waters can be an incredible experience. However, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines to protect these federally protected animals and ensure your own safety.
What to Do if You See a Stranded, Injured, or Entangled Animal
- Do NOT attempt to intervene or touch the animal.
- All marine mammals are wild, protected, and can carry diseases that are transferable to humans and pets.
- Moving a stranded animal yourself can cause it harm, delay necessary specialized care, and jeopardize your own safety.
- Call the NYS Stranding Hotline Immediately:631-369-9829
- You can also call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964 to report harassment or violations.
- Provide Information: Be prepared to give the following details:
- Exact location (GPS coordinates, nearest address, or landmarks).
- A description of the animal (species, size, etc.).
- Condition of the animal (alive/dead, injuries, entangled, lethargic, or showing signs of distress).
- Photos taken from a safe distance.
- Keep Your Distance: Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from the animal and keep dogs leashed and away from the area. Wait for the authorized and trained responders from organizations like the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) or the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS).
- AMSEAS will respond to deceased animals as well; call the Stranding Hotline to report it.
Report Healthy Sightings and Contribute to Research!
- Submit sightings to AMSEAS, a non-profit conducting research on the movements of marine mammals and sea turtles in New York.
- NYSDEC Flipper Files Survey: An online tool often used to report sightings of healthy marine mammals in New York, which helps researchers track their populations and movements.
Safe Viewing Guidelines (Water and Land)
Federal law (Marine Mammal Protection Act) protects all marine mammals. It is illegal to harass, feed, or intentionally interact with them. Always maintain a safe, legal distance:
| Animal | Minimum Viewing Distance (Watercraft) | Minimum Viewing Distance (Land) |
| North Atlantic Right Whale (Critically Endangered) | 500 yards (1,500 feet) | 50 yards (150 feet) |
| Other Whales | 100 yards (300 feet) | 50 yards (150 feet) |
| Dolphins, Porpoises, Seals, Sea Turtles | 50 yards (150 feet) | 50 yards (150 feet) |
Key Rules for Boaters:
* Avoid Harassment: Do not chase, encircle, or trap animals between your watercraft and the shore.
* Approach Safely: Never approach head-on. If you need to move around the animal, do so from the rear, slightly parallel to its course, and maintain a slow, no-wake speed.
* Calves Present: Avoid approaching if a mother and calf are present. Never place your watercraft between them.
* Slow Down: If you see a spout or sign of a whale, slow down and post a lookout. Proceed cautiously, as more animals may be nearby.
* “Hauling Out” Seals: Seals often leave the water to rest on beaches or rocks. This is essential for them to regulate body temperature and rest. If you see a seal hauled out, keep your distance (at least 50 yards/150 feet), as it is likely resting and not in distress.
Free Course: Eyes on the Water – Boating with Whales
Take a free course from The Nature Conservancy designed to provide information to boaters on how to safely navigate waters that have an increasing population of whales, and therefore, more frequent interactions with boaters. This 30-minute course will inform on how to identify species of whales in NY waters, recognize signs that indicate the presence of whales, how to avoid vessel strikes, and how to report sightings.
Resources to Learn About Marine Mammals in NYS
New York’s coastal waters host a variety of free-ranging marine mammals, including several species of whales, dolphins, and seals.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
- Provides information on local species (cetaceans and pinnipeds), viewing guidelines, and stranding response.
- New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS):
- These are the federally permitted organizations that respond to strandings in New York.
- NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Protection
- Provides the official federal regulations and specific distance requirements for viewing all protected marine wildlife.
- CRESLI – Whale and Seal Research
New York’s coastal waters serve as important developmental habitats and foraging grounds for several species of sea turtles during the warmer months. All sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Four species of sea turtles are regularly sighted in New York waters.
Species & Status (Globally/U.S.)
Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) | Critically Endangered/Endangered
- The smallest and most critically endangered species; has a distinctive round/heart-shaped shell.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) | Endangered/Threatened
- One of the largest hard-shelled turtles; juveniles are increasingly observed.
Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) | Endangered/Threatened
- The most frequently sighted species in NY; has a conspicuously large, block-like head and reddish-brown shell.
Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) | Vulnerable/Endangered
- The largest species; the only sea turtle without a hard shell—it has leathery, black skin with seven longitudinal ridges.
Safe Viewing and Reporting Healthy Sea Turtles
Because all sea turtles are federally protected, it is illegal to harass, feed, or intentionally interact with them. Always maintain a respectful distance to ensure their safety and well-being.
Safe Viewing Guidelines
Maintain Distance: Observe sea turtles from a distance of at least 50 yards (150 feet).
* Boating Safety: If you are operating a vessel and spot a sea turtle:
- Slow down immediately and operate at a no-wake speed.
- If a turtle is closer than 50 yards, put your engine in neutral to avoid propeller strike injuries.
Reporting Healthy Sea Turtle Sightings
Even healthy sightings are valuable for biologists to track the species’ occurrence and distribution.
* NYSDEC Flipper Files Survey: You can report observations of healthy sea turtles and other marine life (like seals and whales) to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) using their Flipper Files digital survey. This information helps monitor protected species in New York waters.
* AMSEAS Reporting: The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) also accepts reports of healthy marine animal sightings, often via a dedicated email (sightings@amseas.org) or a submission form on their website.
What to Do if a Sea Turtle Needs Help (Stranded or Cold-Stunned)
Never touch or attempt to self-rescue a sick, injured, stranded, or cold-stunned sea turtle. It is illegal and can cause further harm to the animal.
Cold stunning is a life-threatening hypothermic condition caused by exposure to cold water. The turtles become lethargic and are often washed ashore. Rapid warming can be fatal; trained responders must stabilize and gradually warm the animal over several days. Your immediate call is crucial to its survival.
Call the 24-Hour NYS Stranding Hotline: (631) 369-9829
Reporting a Stranded or Injured Turtle:
- Always assume a sea turtle is alive even if it appears deceased, as it may be cold-stunned.
- Provide Key Details: Be prepared to provide the exact location, the size and species (if known), and a description of the animal’s condition (e.g., entangled, bleeding, floating abnormally).
- Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions given by the professional on the hotline. They are the only authorized personnel to determine the appropriate response.
- AMSEAS will respond to deceased animals as well; call the Stranding Hotline to report it.
Sharks in New York State: Facts, Regulations, and Safety
The waters off New York, particularly around Long Island, are dynamic habitats for a variety of shark species, many of which are migratory and appear during the warmer months. These animals are crucial components of the marine ecosystem. Approximately 25 species of sharks frequent New York’s marine and coastal waters, and are often used as nursery habitat for juvenile sharks. They range from small, docile bottom-dwellers to larger migratory species.
Regulations and Protection of Sharks in NYS
More Info about Shark Species: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/sharks
Shark Research in NY:
Frisk Laboratory
See a Shark Tagging Expedition with the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Participate in Science Research
Shark Myths vs. Reality
The fear of sharks is often disproportionate to the actual risk, largely due to sensational media portrayals. Sharks are not naturally interested in humans. The vast majority of bites are exploratory or due to mistaken identity (e.g., a hand or foot looking like a struggling fish or a seal).
Shark bites are incredibly rare. You are statistically far more likely to be killed in a car accident, or even a dog bite, than by a shark.
Historical Shark Bites in New York State
Despite the occasional news report, shark bites in New York State are extremely rare over time.
* International Shark Attack File (ISAF) Data: Since 1837 (the start of ISAF data collection), there have been 24 total reported shark bites in New York waters.
* Recent Activity: While the historical average is very low, there have been a few scattered, non-fatal bites on Long Island in recent years, likely due to a combination of increasing shark populations (due to conservation efforts) and a boom in their prey (like bunker fish) close to shore.
* Fatality Rate: There have been only two recorded shark fatalities in New York’s history, the last of which was in the 1800s.
The takeaway is that the risk of a shark interaction is extremely low, but precautions are always warranted.
Surf & Swim Safely: Tips to Minimize Shark Encounters in NY Waters
While shark encounters are extremely rare, following simple safety guidelines can significantly minimize your risk when enjoying New York’s coastal waters. Most incidents happen due to a shark mistaking a person for its natural prey.
Horseshoe Crabs in New York State: An Ancient Species at Risk
Horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) are often called “living fossils,” having existed for over 400 million years. They are crucial to the marine ecosystem, especially during their spring spawning period when their eggs provide a vital food source for threatened migratory shorebirds like the Red Knot. They are found year-round in New York’s coastal waters, particularly along Long Island and the estuaries of New York City, with spawning peaking around the new and full moons in May and June.
Handling and Assisting Upside Down Crabs
Horseshoe crabs are harmless to humans, but their clumsy nature can leave them vulnerable when they flip onto their backs, where they can die from exposure or exhaustion if unable to right themselves.
What to Do if You Find an Upside Down Crab
* Grasp the Shell: Gently grab the horseshoe crab by both sides of its main body shell (the prosoma).
* Flip it Over: Carefully turn the crab over so its legs are facing the sand.
* Place Gently: Place the crab on its legs, in the direction of the water.
Safe Handling Instructions
* NEVER pick up a horseshoe crab by its tail (the telson). The telson is fragile and is used by the crab as a rudder and a leverage tool to flip itself over. Picking it up by the tail can break or damage this crucial part, impairing its ability to survive.
* Watch the Hinge: Avoid placing your fingers near the hinge where the head and abdomen meet, as the shell moves and could potentially pinch your fingers.
* The Tail is Not a Stinger: The telson (tail) is not dangerous; it is not a stinger and does not contain venom.
Regulations and Protection in NY
Recreational
Commercial
On 12/22/25, Governor Hochul signed the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, which will require a 25% reduction in harvesting over the next three years, with a full prohibition in place by 2029.
Get Involved:
Citizen Science and Research in New York State: New York Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Network
Learn More:
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
NYSDEC Giants at our Feet
NYS DEC Marine Invertebrates
Coastal Bird Species and Conservation in New York
New York’s beaches, dunes, and marshes are critical breeding grounds for several protected bird species, from April through September, such as the Least Tern, Common Tern, Black Skimmer, Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Clapper Rail, Willet, Osprey, and more. These birds face increasing pressure from human disturbance and habitat loss, making conservation efforts—and human cooperation—essential.
Protecting Nesting Birds: Sharing the Shore
Human activity poses the biggest threat to these species, as nests and chicks are easily stepped on or abandoned if disturbed. Following these guidelines ensures you are sharing the beach safely:
* Respect Protected Areas: Stay out of all areas roped off and marked with signs for nesting birds. These temporary fences protect nests and flightless chicks.
* Watch Where You Step: Nests are often camouflaged, looking like a simple depression in the sand. Walk below the high tide line and stay off dunes and vegetated areas where birds prefer to nest.
* Control Pets: Do not bring dogs to beaches during the nesting season, or keep them strictly leashed and away from all nesting habitats. Dogs can accidentally crush nests, chase chicks, and stress adult birds.
* Pack Out Trash: Remove all trash and fishing line. Garbage attracts predators (like gulls, foxes, and rats) that prey on eggs and chicks. Fishing line and balloon strings can fatally entangle birds.
* Keep Your Distance: If a bird starts calling loudly, dive-bombing you, or acting injured (feigning a broken wing), you are too close. Quietly and quickly move away from the area until the bird calms down.
* Avoid Attractants: Do not feed gulls, as this draws them into nesting areas where they can prey on the eggs and chicks of protected species.
Learn More: https://atlanticflywayshorebirds.org/
Citizen Science: Identifying and Reporting Birds
You can contribute vital data to bird conservation science, and learn more about our local avian diversity, by using the following free mobile applications developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Merlin is an excellent tool for identifying birds you see or hear.
eBird is a global citizen science program for reporting your bird sightings, helping scientists track bird distribution and abundance.
Winter Waterfowl:
Shellfish in the Great South Bay: Water Quality Heroes
The Great South Bay (GSB), located along the south shore of Long Island, has historically been one of the world’s most productive shellfishing grounds. These bivalve species are vital not only to the local economy and culture (the tradition of the “Baymen”) but, more critically, to the health of the entire bay ecosystem.
Learn about Key Shellfish Species found in the Great South Bay
Importance for Water Quality (The Bivalve Superpower)
Bivalve shellfish are considered keystone species for water quality in the bay due to their natural filtering capacity:
– Water Filtration: An adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, and a hard clam can filter about half that. This process removes suspended solids and particles, leading to greater water clarity.
– Nutrient Removal: Shellfish feed on algae (phytoplankton), which grow rapidly due to excess nitrogen pollution (nutrient runoff from septic systems, lawn fertilizer, and agriculture). By consuming the algae, shellfish help control harmful algal blooms (like brown tide) and remove nitrogen from the water column.
– Habitat Creation: Oysters form reefs which provide complex, three-dimensional habitat for finfish, crabs, and other marine life, creating pockets of biodiversity on an otherwise sandy bottom. |
– Eelgrass Health: Increased water clarity allows more sunlight to penetrate the water, which is essential for the growth of eelgrass—a critical habitat and food source for juvenile marine species.
Shellfish Harvesting Regulations in New York
Shellfishing in the Great South Bay is managed by both the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the individual Towns (e.g., Islip, Babylon) along the bay.
Crucial Advice for Harvesters:
* Check State and Local Town Laws: Always obtain the recreational permit from the Town where you plan to shellfish and familiarize yourself with their specific size, possession, and gear restrictions.
NYS Shellfish Regulations
I. State Waters
II. Town Waters (Local Regulations)
Town of Babylon Code
Town of Islip Code
NYS DEC Public Shellfish Mapper
Temporary Closures
Learn more about Shellfish and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
How to Get Involved
The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Suffolk County Marine Program runs a highly successful citizen science initiative centered around oyster restoration called the SPAT Program: Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training. SPAT is designed to encourage community members to become stewards of the environment while actively participating in shellfish aquaculture.
Goal: To train citizens to raise oysters in containment until they reach a size where they can spawn, thereby releasing larvae into local creeks and bays to promote natural wild settlement and population recovery.
Participation: Participants pay a minimal fee to join and are provided with oyster seed (baby oysters), tools, and training/workshops.
The “Garden”: Members raise their oysters in cages/containers at either a designated community garden site or at their own dock in certified waters (requiring a special license secured through the program).
Harvest: Unique among restoration programs, SPAT members may keep 100% of their fully grown oysters for personal consumption—a tangible reward for their stewardship. They are prohibited from selling the harvest.
A BBCA Member has helped facilitate the participation of many local residents in this program, and has helped support their applications, and even picks up oyster seed and supplies from CCE’s hatchery in Southold, transporting it back to Oak Beach and providing training at our Community Center. Contact us for more information.
Seagrass
Eelgrass Monitoring & Restoration
Cornell Cooperative Extension Eelgrass
Seagrass Citizen Science
Get Involved: Marine Meadows
Dunes
NYSDEC Shoreline Stabilization
SeaGrant NY Healthy Sand Dunes
Saltmarshes
AMSEAS
