3/13/2014 - Cuthbertson Recognizes Student from E. Northport for Making the difference in Marine Life Conservation.

Cuthbertson Recognizes Student from E. Northport for Making the difference in Marine Life Conservation

Most kids see a beach as a place to play in the sand or go for a swim. For nine year old Madeleine Cierski of Northport, she sees an opportunity to make a difference. 

While taking one of her many walks at Crab Meadow Beach with her family last fall, Madeleine noticed that several sand sharks had been discarded and left to die along the beach. Obviously upset, Madeleine set out to make a change. Her love and passion for animals and for all living things inspired her to put a pen to paper and write a letter to the Town asking for help. 

“It is not every day you come across a letter from a nine-year old student asking their local government to create a rule, or in this case, a law, to help protect marine life,” Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said. Upon investigation, the councilman learned that under existing Marine Fisheries Law, certain species of fish and marine life, when caught unintentionally, are not required to be returned to the waters they are taken from. Sand sharks, formally known as smooth dogfish, are one such species not protected under current law. However, the Councilman also learned that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is considering a change to the law to expand protective measures. 

Late last week, Councilman Cuthbertson paid a surprise visit to Madeleine’s classroom at Bellerose Elementary School to thank her and advise her of his plan to help Huntington’s sand sharks. 

“It was my pleasure to notify Madeleine and her classmates that I would be sponsoring a sense resolution at the upcoming April 8th Town Board meeting urging the Governor and New York State Legislature to amend the Marine Fisheries Law to afford sand sharks greater protection,” the Councilman said. “All the credit goes to Madeleine.” 

Councilman Cuthbertson was joined by Madeleine’s parents and younger sister during last week’s classroom visit, along with school’s Principal and Interim Principal. 

“Madeleine has taught us all an invaluable lesson – each and every one of us can make a difference,” the Councilman said. 

Pictured: Councilman Mark Cuthbertson is pictured with nine-year old Madeleine Cierski at Bellerose Avenue Elementary School in East Northport during a surprise visit to thank Madeleine for her passion in helping to make the difference in saving Huntington's sand sharks.