Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island CRESLI

Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) is a non-profit organization based in West Sayville, New York. Founded in 1996, CRESLI has a small team of three employees. The organization is dedicated to researching, educating, and promoting the conservation of coastal ecosystems. CRESLI conducts research on pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sea turtles, utilizing public whale watch cruises and seal walks as platforms for both data collection and public education. They also rely on commercial fishers, pleasure boaters, and the general public to contribute sighting information for population and distribution studies. This public participation has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of Long Island's coastlines as a vital habitat for these species. CRESLI actively collaborates with other organizations, including Gotham Whale, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and Stony Brook University, fostering data sharing, resource coordination, and strengthened research and education initiatives. Their commitment to community involvement is demonstrated through their membership in the Citizen's Advisory Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee of the South Shore Estuary Reserve. Interested parties can learn more about CRESLI's work and get involved by visiting their website at cresli.org.