It is thoughtful action by government, individuals and communities that will be crucial to overcoming the many challenges that confront Long Island Sound and many other bodies of water. The report card format is a smart step forward in the process of preserving our waterways.

Once called the "American Mediterranean" and more recently described as "The Urban Sea," Long Island Sound is considered one of North America's most urban yet biologically diverse estuaries.

Being chronically ill is learning about love. Whether I believe I can recover or not, I am blessed.

I met up with Phil Karlin a couple weeks ago to learn all about small, family-owned commercial fishing operations in the New York area.