In June, two dozen fourth graders from Tuckahoe Elementary School in Southampton had the chance to be marine scientists for a day.

They joined  Chris Paparo, Stony Brook Southampton’s Marine Sciences  Center manager, aboard the RV Peconic for an interactive exploration of Shinnecock Bay. “By giving the public a chance to get their “hands wet” we not only bring awareness to Long Island’s diverse wildlife but bring light to the problems our marine ecosystems are facing,” said Paparo.

The Marine Sciences  Center hosts school trips on the RV Peconic.

The groups discuss ways of improving the local waters. This year, more than 1,000 children and adults participated in programs such as bay explorations, wildlife cruises and plankton labs. 

During their trip, the Tuckahoe students got hands-on experience using the same equipment that Stony Brook researchers use to study Long Island’s fascinating marine estuary.

They tested water salinity, temperature and turbidity and bottom sediments. They also sampled some of the flora and fauna that are native to Shinnecock Bay.

The Marine Sciences Center is part of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). In addition to hosting Long Island schools, SoMAS partners with the South Fork Natural History Museum and the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation for adult programs.