2024 Island Sentinels
As we bid farewell to another amazing summer, we look back on the work and contributions of the Fishers Island Conservancy Sentinels during the 2024 season. Their efforts have supported various conservation initiatives across our island.
2024 Sentinels
- Teddy Schaffer
- George Hanes
- Riley Tracy
- Diane Lang
- Calvin Lang
- Hayden Hanes
- Attie Upson
2024 Interns
- Anna White
- Elsie Harrington
- Nicolas Hall
- Alexa Rosenberg
Horseshoe Crab Tagging & Population Count:
Intern Nick Hall
From May to July, FIC Sentinels, in partnership with FI School, assisted with the 2024 Marine District Horseshoe Crab Tagging & Population Count. The data gathered from this spawning survey will be used by the NYS DEC to assess the status of horseshoe crabs and support the management and conservation of this vital species.
The Sentinels aimed to measure spawning abundance, size, and gather tagging data around full and new moon events. The process began at the rightmost side of Dock Beach, toward the Popeye dock, and extended to the bend on the leftmost side of the beach. Tagging was only conducted on horseshoe crabs that were not mating. Tags were placed on the left side of the shell toward the back, ensuring consistency in tag placement.
During the survey, Sentinels recorded detailed information for each tagged horseshoe crab, including whether the crab was submerged or in the surf zone, its gender, age, coverage of barnacles or other organisms, width of the shell in centimeters, the tag number if distributed, and a population count of all mating pairs and individuals.
Island Sentinel Teddy
By participating in this survey, the Sentinels contributed to a greater understanding and protection of this ancient and important species. We are thrilled to have been part of this significant conservation effort.
Collecting Data and Monitoring Sites:
This summer, 9 Sentinels diligently monitored Fishers Island Conservancy sites across eleven transect locations. These sites, chosen for their ecological significance, include Silver Eel Cove, Race Rock Point, South Beach, Hay Harbor, Dock Beach, Isabella Beach, Middle Farms, Chocomount Beach, Big Club Beach, East Harbor, and Hungry Point.
Collaboration with Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition:
Our Sentinels joined forces with the Fishers Island Seagrass Management (FISM) Coalition, actively participating in Marine Protected Area (MPA) transects. By collecting vital data, our Sentinels played a crucial role in supporting efforts to understand and protect seagrass ecosystems around Fishers Island. Additionally, we assisted in ground truthing across the island and assessed eelgrass flowering density and seed maturity. This collaborative effort contributes to the ongoing commitment to preserving the delicate balance of our marine environment.
Island Sentinels Riley Tracy, George Hanes, Teddy Schaffer and Nick Hall (Intern) collecting eelgrass for the FISM Eelgrass Flowering Study
FIC Interns Anna White, Nick Hall and Elsie Harrington working with FISM Coordinator Hannah Vagts on ground truthing
Nature Days, Sentinel Contributions, and Community Outreach:
Our Sentinels contributed to the success of Nature Day. Their enthusiastic involvement added valuable insights and hands-on experiences to these engaging events, fostering a deeper connection between our community and the natural world. In addition to Nature Days, our Sentinels participated in the Island People Project (IPP) craft fairs, where the Fishers Island Conservancy had a dedicated booth. Here, the Sentinels contributed to community education by sharing and advertising for our annual Sunset on the Beach event.
Island Sentinels Riley Tracy and George Hanes
Intern Nick Hall and Elsie Harrington
We’re incredibly proud of our Sentinels for their dedication and hard work this summer. Thank you, Sentinels, for your commitment to conservation!
Teddy Schaffer (Sentinel), Nick Hall (Intern), Elsie Harrington (Intern), Stephanie Hall (Sentinel Director) George Hanes (Sentinel), Riley Tracy (Sentinel) Missing: Anna White (Intern), Alexa Rosenberg (Intern), Diane Lang (Sentinel), Calvin Lang (Sentinel), Hayden Hanes (Sentinel), and Attie Upson (Sentinel)