Institute for Ocean Conservation Science

04/01/2026

Amazing sighting of a Narwhal in San Francisco Bay! Could this be the start of a comeback?

A rare narwhal sighting in the San Francisco Bay Area drew groups of onlookers on Wednesday morning. Over a hundred years ago, the toothed marine mammal largely inhabited this area as well as all along California’s northern coast. However, the decline of their main food source, driven by overfishing, led the species to migrate to more suitable habitats near Canada. The narwhal’s appearance in the Bay Area reflects improved conditions that could support its comeback.

03/25/2026

It's here! 🕐 Today is Stony Brook University's annual Giving Day. All donations directly support our mission and our graduate students, and are greatly appreciated!

For one day, our community will once again come together to make an extraordinary impact!

03/24/2026

Tomorrow, March 25, 2026 is Stony Brook University's annual Giving Day!

On Giving Day, all donations support specific Stony Brook University programs, scholarships, and research, etc.

Consider supporting IOCS's mission, and our graduate students, who will be the next generation of scientists, conservation leaders, and difference makers.

Every gift, big or small, has a lasting impact.

The below 🔗 is IOCS's individual Giving Day page 👇

For one day, our community will once again come together to make an extraordinary impact!

03/24/2026

🤝🌎🌊

A powerful moment for Shinnecock Bay—and a glimpse of what’s possible when community, science, and stewardship align.

Recently recognized by the Suffolk County Legislature with an official Proclamation, the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot reflects a deeply collaborative effort to restore both ecosystem health and community resilience.

Led by Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion Dr. Ellen Pikitch, and in partnership with the Shinnecock Nation, Stony Brook University, and others, this work is helping turn decades of decline into measurable recovery.

Rooted in Indigenous stewardship and advanced by innovative science, restoration efforts are improving water quality, rebuilding shellfish populations, and renewing the bay’s natural balance.

Experience the story through Felix Kunze’s powerful photo essay: https://www.felixkunze.com/projects/shinnecock

📸: Felix Kunze
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Felix Kunze Photographer

02/25/2026

We are so grateful to the talented Felix Kunze and his team, who captured our work through incredible photography.

Felix, known for his portraits, accompanied us into the field for an The Explorers Club expedition where we used both cutting edge technology and indigenous wisdom to assess biodiversity in the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot.

When he isn’t shooting more glamorous subjects for outlets like Vogue, Felix dedicates his time photographing scientists, environmentalists, and explorers all around the world.

From the Stony Brook Southampton wetlab to the marshes of Shinnecock Bay, Felix tells our story through captivating visuals. See his story here: https://www.felixkunze.com/projects/shinnecock

The Explorers Club Mission Blue School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program Open Ocean Robotics McLane Research Labs.

02/06/2026

IOCS scientists Dr. Karine Kleinhaus, Dr. John Bohorquez, Dr. Ellen Pikitch, and PhD student Natalia Benejam are part of a global team outlining a pathway for coral reef resilience 🪸🐠

After hosting a multidisciplinary workshop at School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University in 2024, they co-authored a study in Nature - Ocean Sustainability that discusses 6 priorities for action.

Read more 👇

Faculty at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences have joined with experts worldwide to help save coral reefs from the effects of climate change.

01/30/2026

! Read up on our recent work over the past year, from using eDNA to track fish in Shinnecock Bay, to partnering with local and global indigenous and spiritual leaders, we are excited to expand on these opportunities in the year to come!

As we close out 2025, we are grateful to have had a year marked by groundbreaking research, meaningful partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to marine conservation. From pioneering eDNA technology to working with Indigenous partners and international experts, here's a look at what we accomplish...