Plum Island (New York)

Plum Island is an island in Long Island Sound off the northeastern tip of Long Island, New York, notable as the site of a federal animal disease research facility established in 1954. The island covers roughly 840 acres (about 340 hectares) and is a visible feature from the Connecticut and Long Island coasts.

Public access to the island is restricted and it is not open for general tourism. From the mainland and authorized vessels people view sandy beaches, dune systems and seabird habitat along the shoreline; there are no regular public facilities on the island.

The U.S. government developed the research facility on the island in the mid-20th century to study exotic livestock diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease. Operational control and oversight have involved federal agricultural and homeland security agencies over time, and much of the island has been reserved for laboratory, support and restricted-use areas.

Geographically the island sits in eastern Long Island Sound north of the northeastern tip of Long Island (Suffolk County) and is visible from points on both Long Island and the Connecticut shoreline. Nearest mainland access for views and boat approaches is from the Orient Point area of Long Island and nearby Connecticut towns across the Sound.

• Access: Public access to the island itself is restricted; view the island from authorized boat tours or vantage points on the Long Island shore.
• Size: The island covers roughly 840 acres (about 340 hectares), making it one of the larger islands in eastern Long Island Sound.
• Research facility: Home to a federal animal disease research facility since 1954, historically focused on diseases such as foot-and-mouth.

What to See#

• Plum Island Animal Disease Center: Federal research facility established in 1954 to study exotic livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth; legally restricted and separated from general-use areas of the island.
• Beaches and coastal habitat: Sandy beaches, dunes and maritime habitat around the island that support seabirds and coastal vegetation; visible from nearby mainland viewing points and boat trips.

There is no public ferry to Plum Island. The island is visible from Orient Point, NY and from ferries and private boats operating in the eastern Long Island Sound; landing on the island is generally prohibited due to federal facilities.

• Plum Island is visible from Orient Point and nearby ferry routes-do not attempt to approach restricted areas near the federal research facility.
• If the objective is wildlife or beaches, consider nearby Smith or Fishers Island which have visitor access.