Was 2021 A Particularly Shark-y Summer on Long Island?

Over the past few years, a lot has been made of the fact that the waters around Long Island have seemed a bit “sharkier” than usual. Several videographers shared regular drone footage of the near daily feeding frenzy of sharks attacking menhaden along the south shore. As Tim Regan pointed out to me, you could actually stand on the shore and witness hungry sharks launching themselves from the water consistently throughout the summer as well - something unprecedented on Long Island. A few weeks ago, a sighting at Lido Beach marked the 20th shark confirmed near-shore at Nassau beaches this summer, which is more than triple the numbers by this time last year. All this begs the question: Are there more sharks lurking in our waters?

While an increase in shark population is likely true, the degree to which we’re seeing it play out in the media may be a bit misleading. Factors such as social media allowing each sighting to reach a greater audience and our increasingly sophisticated monitoring systems raising awareness of sharks where they had previously gone undetected may also be playing a role in the perception that sharks are patrolling the waters ever closer to our favorite beaches and in greater abundance.

This article will take a look at why we may be seeing more sharks around Long Island, the types of sharks that call our waters home, and what it actually means for our marine ecosystem. I’m fortunate enough to be collaborating with two of my favorite content creators on the subject - wildlife photographer and mate on Triton Charters, Shane Etter (@BigOleMrKanish), and East End Surf/Fly Fishing Guide/On The Water Magazine Field Editor, Tim Regan (@southforksalt). I am very grateful that both lent their content and insight to the piece!

The Perception of Stripers Vs. Blues: An Oral Account from Respected Long Island Anglers

Bluefish and Striped Bass are two iconic species that inhabit the waters around Long Island. They’re both top-tier predators integral to our marine ecosystem and prized targets for anglers throughout the northeast. Despite playing a similar role in the food chain, they are vastly different fish. I was lucky enough to speak with a handful of anglers that I have a lot of respect for in order to get a better idea of how blues and stripers are perceived by anglers and where the similarities and differences lie.

From Elephants to Frankenstorms: A Brief History of the Long Beach Boardwalk

In terms of iconic Long Island landmarks, the Long Beach boardwalk shares the same hallowed ground as the Montauk Lighthouse or Sagamore Hill. Ever since William Reynolds first orchestrated its construction in 1906-1907, the boardwalk has played a central role in the Long Beach community and served as a destination for New Yorkers looking to spend a nice day at the beach.

Today, the boardwalk remains as integral to the Long Beach economy and way-of-life as ever. It has survived several incarnations, but still draws thousands of people to enjoy its beauty and meet with neighbors.

Here are a few of the key stages of the boardwalk’s history.

Long Beach Sand In My Shoes

There’s a saying in Long Beach that goes: “I’ve got Long Beach sand in my shoes”. It’s a way for LB locals to speak to the love they have for their tight-knit community while calling to mind the many memories they create on their city’s beautiful beaches.

As great as our beaches are, kicking back in the sand and surf isn’t the only way to enjoy Long Beach’s expansive coastal habitat. From quiet evenings on the boardwalk to exploring the marshes around Reynold’s channel, there are countless ways to enjoy the outdoors in Long Beach.

Here are a few of them to get you started.