Our mission is to promote and foster understanding and stewardship of coastal ecosystems through research and education
The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, was founded in the summer of 1996 by a group of experts in marine mammal science, environmental sciences, education and conservation. CRESLI was formed for the purposes of conducting research, providing educational experiences and promoting conservation of coastal ecosystems. Research and education are inextricably linked in all CRESLI activities. As such, CRESLI actively seeks cooperative alliances with researchers, educational institutions, and the participation of the public. Our pinniped and cetacean research projects, for example, utilize public whale watch cruises and seal walks as platforms for collecting data and educating the public at the same time.
We are committed to our mission and have been since 1996. Join us on any of our excursions, lectures, activities to learn about our coastal waters and the ecosystems therein. Come out on trips to see the amazing diversity of marine mammals, sea turtles, pelagic birds, and other marine life. Become a member and/or a volunteer and join us in our work.
Slow motion humpback terminal dive, 8/3/22, off Montauk from CRESLI_ Inc. on Vimeo.
2023 CRESLI/Viking Fleet whale watching on the 140' Viking Starship starts July 2, 2023. We will sail Sundays and Wednesdays through September 17, 2023, from 2 PM to 7 PM. For information go to our whale watching page at https://cresli.org/whalewatching
2023 TRIPS: 100% SUCCESS FINDING CETACEANS. For reports, see our 2023 Naturalist Blog
Meet the CRESLI naturalists and take a trip with crew with over 37 years of whale watching experience AND professors/scientists as trip leaders. Come away with great memories, great photos and videos, and an education about whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and marine life that is second-to-none. Come with us to learn, to see, and to help support our work.
Our record, as well as our research and education programs are a testament to our model of work through trained and committed volunteers. Sign up to be a CRESLI volunteer
CRESLI seal trip video 2 from CRESLI_ Inc. on Vimeo.
Video of seals observed at Cupsogue Beach during CRESLI tours
Over 33,000 seal encounters at Cupsogue Beach since 2004. Join us at Cupsogue Beach for our 18th year there. Observe, photograph, and learn about Long Island's seals. The walks are suitable for children and are approximately 1.25 miles round trip and take about 1 to 1.5 hours. The paths we take are not stroller-friendly.
NEW for 2023 CRESLI has scheduled several seal cruises on Shinnecock Bay, NY, using the R/V PECONIC at the Stony Brook University Marine Science Center in Southampton, NY. Go to our Seal Cruise page for more information.
We at CRESLI wish to acknowledge the indigenous peoples and tribes who were the original stewards of the coastal areas in which we work. The Coastal Research & Education Society of Long Island's research and work take place primarily on the land and waters of the Unkechaug (Cupsogue Beach), Shinnecock (Shinnecock Bay), Montaukett (Montauk), and Secatogue (West Sayville). View a map of the indigenous communities.
CRESLI is a nonprofit organization as defined in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A copy of the last financial report filed with the Department of State may be obtained by writing to NYS Dept. of State, Office of Charities Registration, Albany, NY 12231.
CRESLI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national, or ethnic origin.