My excursion to Great Gull Island started on a beautiful sunny day.  Three guests were heading out to do volunteer work relating to Roseate and Common Tern chicks.  As we approached the island the high pitch "chi chi chi" of thousands of terns slowly set in. Great Gull Island is home to the largest North American population of the federally endangered Roseate Tern (1,375 breeding pairs), and the single largest population of Common Terns in the world (9,400 breeding pairs).
 
Upon arrival, we carried our food rations off the boat and headed for the living quarters. The Island was originally a fort, built to protect Long Island and New York City during the Spanish American War. It didn’t take long to realize that this 17-acre island is now completely dominated by the terns -- humans are only pests that visit the island.  Anywhere you go on Great Gull Island, in the spring or summer, you will be dive-bombed by overprotective parents, and you'll probably get pooped on. Everyone on the island wears flower hats with a wide brim to stop the poop from hitting your face!

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The International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) in Edmonton, Canada was an inspiring experience. There were over 1,500 attendees -- it was amazing to see that many people who dedicate their lives to conservation. 

The most motivating speech I heard at the ICCB conference was from the winner of the most notable award (Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award), Dr. David Schindler. This man implemented his research on eutrophication in lakes and caused the ban of phosphates in laundry detergents.  The core of what he was saying is something that I have felt very strongly about through my college career --  “Scientists have to be advocates.” He said if the people who are most interested in the natural world (biologists and other scientists) do not fight for conservation, then who will? 

There are far too many scientific studies stored somewhere, waiting for action. “At the rate our ecosystems are being devoured, there is little hope for biodiversity conservation.”  Enough waiting. All scientists need to put their knowledge into action if they want the natural wonders they are studying to be around for their grandchildren. 

The key is in “the transformation of good science into policy.”  This comes from a man who has saved vast quantities of marine life, through his push to ban phosphates in detergents. I will die a happy man when I have such a positive impact on our evolutionary brothers and sisters.

Paul Stoutenburgh

Heather Lanza, the planning director of Southold Town, gave an update on Tuesday, June 29th about “The Future Zoning of Plum Island”.  Heather explained that the GSA (General Services Administration) is asking Southold Town what the zoning of the island will be.

Town Supervisor Scott Russell said he would like to “leave the rest of the island intact as a preserve.” The town board members agreed that the undeveloped portion of the island should be preserved as parks and conservation zoning.  This would mean that future development would be limited to the area that is already developed. 

On top of this, the town wants the development to be in the form of a research facility of some sort, either a continuation of the Animal Research Lab or something new like an alternative energy lab.  Al Krupski suggested writing to Washington to advise them to use the island for energy research. 

As long as Southold Town follows through and puts conservation zoning on the island, then the future of Plum Island will be bright and full of life -- wildlife!

Paul Stoutenburgh