September 22, 2018 –WANTED! Oxygen

Luis Medina, Stony Brook University. You may have heard of “dead zones” in the ocean, but what does this mean? Meet with local scientist and find out why the ocean is running out of oxygen, what areas this is happening to and the potential impacts on your favorite marine organisms!

Photo credit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_zone_(ecology)

Had a great time learning about skates, sharks, and the cool “mermaid purses” we all see at the beach with Lisa Crawford, Irvin Huang, Michael Clerkin.

August 11, 2018

Lisa Crawford, Stony Brook University 

Everyone knows pollution is bad, but what happens when pollutants enter the ocean? Find out what happens to sharks, rays, and other marine critters when they are exposed to contaminants. Meet with a local marine biologist to learn about marine predators and the risks they face in the ocean.

PHOTO CREDIT: https://www.aqua.org/Experience/Animal-Index/sand-tiger-shark &  https://www.arkive.org/winter-skate/leucoraja-ocellata/image-G74914.html

Had a great time learning about ocean acidification and the effects on organisms we love to eat, wit Caroline Schwaner, Teresa Schwemmer and Max Grabinski!

June 21, 2018 

Caroline Schwaner, Teresa Schwemmer, Stony Brook University.

Though we may not feel ocean acidification just by swimming in the ocean, it will affect many of the plants and animals living in the water full time. Find out how the shellfish and fish you like to eat may be harder to find as the ocean continues to be more acidic, and how marine plants such as seagrass could help relieve some of the stress on our marine ecosystems around Long Island.

photo credit: https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/What+is+Ocean+Acidification%3F

What a wonderful Saturday afternoon  with Pr. Levinton and his little friends with carapace! Children and their family enjoyed holding Fiddler Crabs and learning about their biology.

June 23, 2018 – Fiddler Crabs: Lovers and Fighters of the Marshes.

Jeffrey Levinton, Stony Brook University.

Fiddler crabs are found all over quiet beaches and salt marshes of Long Island. They may be small but males have a giant claw, used for signaling to attract females and to fight off competing males and predators such as raccoons and birds. They guard their hole and can dash to safety by means of their astounding vision. They also help salt marsh plants to grow and can move in herds of tens of thousands. Meet with a local Marine Biologist and learn exciting facts about this sea creature.

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fiddler_Crabs_at_Indian_River_Lagoon_-_Flickr_-_Andrea_Westmoreland.jpg

Fantastic Saturday at LI Aquarium in the great company of Dr. Rober Aller from Stony Brook University. 

Mai 19, 2018 – Worms’ World: nutrient cycling in marine muds.

Robert Aller, Stony Brook University.

Most gardeners know that earthworms and beneficial insects are critically important for a fertile soil and healthy crops.  Far fewer people appreciate that worms, clams, and other mud-dwelling animals play a similar role for coastal marine ecosystems. Along with a local Scientist, we will examine how animals living in muds promote nutrient recycling, fertilize phytoplankton, and clean-up coastal waters.

Photo credit : Original photo taken by Nick Veitch on Ballyholme Beach, Bangor, Co.Down, N.Ireland.