Sutton Lynch, a young photographer from Amagansett, New York, has found his passion capturing stunning footage of marine life off the coast of Long Island’s East End. Known for his extraordinary images and videos of humpbacks, hammerheads, dolphins, bluefish, and other species, Mr. Lynch has gained a devoted following on Instagram.
At the crack of dawn, Mr. Lynch starts his day at Atlantic Beach, the same beach he’s been frequenting since childhood. This serene location holds sentimental value for him, as it’s where he worked as a lifeguard during his teenage years. Now 23 years old, he spends his mornings surveying the ocean and launching his drone to capture breathtaking footage.
What sets Mr. Lynch apart is his ability to not only showcase the beauty of marine life but also educate his followers. His captions on Instagram range from sharing childhood memories to discussing the impacts of fishing policies and explaining animal behavior. Every aspect of his work radiates a deep respect and admiration for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Many of Mr. Lynch’s followers express surprise upon realizing the abundance of marine species that exist just beyond their view. The truth is, this resurgence is relatively recent. Long Island’s East End has experienced a remarkable recovery of sea life after decades of depletion. A mere ten years ago, whale and dolphin sightings were scarce. This depletion was primarily due to the overfishing of Atlantic menhaden, a vital species for a healthy ecosystem. Menhaden, although not commonly consumed by humans, are rich in nutrients and serve as prey for numerous larger animals.
In response to the drastic decline in menhaden populations, which dropped around 90% in three decades, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission implemented the first coastwide catch limits on the fish in 2012. As a result, populations have rebounded, leading to improved water quality and an increase in the presence of whales, sharks, rays, seals, dolphins, and other animals along the shoreline. This turnaround is a significant turning point in the East End’s environmental and cultural history.
Coinciding with the resurgence of menhaden and the return of larger animals that depend on them, Mr. Lynch’s career as a photographer took off. He received his first drone at the age of 17 and began filming from his local shores. His photography style resonates with audiences due to its accessibility and authenticity, standing out amidst a backdrop of exclusivity and superficiality often associated with the Hamptons and platforms like Instagram.
Long Island faces unique challenges related to global warming, including rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and the proliferation of algal blooms. The area ranks high on Moody’s Analytics’ list of U.S. metro areas most vulnerable to climate change. Documenting these changes motivates Mr. Lynch. He, along with many from Generation Z, is frustrated with the current state of affairs but remains driven by conviction. Mr. Lynch believes that change needs to happen now, despite the feeling of being tasked with fixing problems created by previous generations.
Additionally, Mr. Lynch sees his art as a longitudinal study of the seascape, allowing him to track subtle changes that occur over time. He envisions collaborating with scientists to study the data he accumulates over the years. By continuing his practice for a decade, he hopes to compile a significant portfolio of visual information, shedding light on the evolving ecosystem.
Mr. Lynch has built a diverse fan base, including environmentalists, artists, fishermen, and both local and visiting individuals. When it comes to educating his followers, his approach aims to avoid alienation. Mr. Lynch is wary of relying on scare tactics or assigning blame. Instead, he appeals to people’s shared admiration for the natural world, believing that fear is not helpful in prompting action.
While the recent increase in shark activity may concern beachgoers seeking relaxation along the shores of the Hamptons, Mr. Lynch finds it thrilling. In July, after capturing footage of spinner sharks, he shared his thoughts, reminding his audience that the ocean is the wild animals’ home. He points out that humans pose a far greater threat to sharks than sharks do to humans. Spotting a great white shark is at the top of his bucket list, and the lifeguards in East Hampton eagerly await his reports through his hourly shark patrol, which the city pays him for.
Arthur Kopelman, an ecologist and president of the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, emphasizes the importance of public environmental education. Dr. Kopelman believes that knowledge about the environment engenders a sense of responsibility in individuals to protect coastal ecosystems. Mr. Lynch plays a crucial role in this effort, drawing people closer to nature and encouraging them to appreciate and protect the environment.
Amidst the opulence and extravagance typically associated with the Hamptons, Mr. Lynch’s work serves as a refreshing reminder of the true essence of the area. Beyond the celebrities, tycoons, and weekenders, a vibrant society of sea life thrives just off the coast, making it a destination for both humans and marine creatures alike.
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