Connecticut Sea Grant Director Sylvain De Guise has accepted an invitation to be on the Long Island Sound Advisory Council, a new group being formed by Sen. Christopher Murphy.

Twenty “leading stakeholders and advocates” will comprise the group, which will meet quarterly in Hartford to talk about “legislative ideas, the status of federal funding and creative ways we can work together on behalf of the Sound,” Sen. Murphy said in the invitation, sent on Nov. 13.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve on a group to advise Sen. Murphy,” De Guise said. “He is so active in promoting the protection of the resources of Long Island Sound, and in recognizing their importance to the communities that depend on them for economic, social and recreational purposes.”

In the invitation, Sen. Murphy noted that the health of the Sound has improved and progress has been made toward protecting the wildlife and communities that

depend on it. But many challenges remain, he said, particularly in reforming federal policies affecting the Sound and obtaining increased funding, “especially now.”

“Failing to support Long Island Sound would mean the destruction of an ecological treasure and risk the demise of a vibrant coastal business community,” he said.

Protecting the health of the Sound, he said, has been a “personal priority,” because of its importance to the state’s economy and cultural character.

“The needs of the Sound are multifaceted and our work has to be as well,” Murphy said in the invitation. “With your help, I believe we can make a real impact on Long Island Sound that will allow it to prosper and flourish.”

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