Two of Long Island’s premier ocean conservation and science institutions announced a partnership today to jointly conduct marine research, education, and public campaigns for ocean protection.
The State University of New York at Stony Brook’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Science’s (SoMAS) and the nonprofit Blue Ocean Institute will join forces to increase public awareness of challenges facing our ocean and to support effective marine ecosystem management. The two institutions will mutually produce articles, support student research fellowships, and sponsor public meetings on marine science, climate change, and conservation.
“Both SoMAS and Blue Ocean Institute have a crucial mission to help people understand and protect our shared ocean and sea life within it,” said David O. Conover, Dean and Director of SoMAS.” We are pleased to work with such a highly-regarded nonprofit group that has a track record of inspiring the public to care about and protect the ocean.”
“Together, our work will have a greater impact to ensure a healthy and abundant ocean for all and for the future generations who rely on us,” said Dr. Carl Safina, President and Co- founder of Blue Ocean Institute. “SOMAS’s high standards of achievement make them an ideal partner and we’re looking forward to the energy and academic strengths their students will bring.”
Safina, an adjunct at SoMAS, is an award winning author of three books and more than 100 articles focusing on how the oceans are changing and what those changes mean for people and wildlife. Among its scientific, artistic, and literary programs, Blue Ocean Institute produces the Guide to Ocean–Friendly Seafood, the first guide to provide consumers with information on seafood sustainability.
The nationally renowned School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences not only focuses on fundamentals scientific research, but it also committed to applying research to solve some of society’s toughest environmental problems. SoMAS faculty and students are deeply engaged in local and regional marine research and policy issues worldwide. SoMAS scientists are also part of the larger international research community addressing global issues such as the causes and consequences of climate change and and the scientific basis of ecosystem-based management of marine resources.
As part of the new partnership, SoMAS students will have opportunities to extend their learning beyond academics through internships at BOI that focus on communications and applied marine conservation. Safina and other BOI staff members may also provide guest lectures and work with SoMAS to convene scientific symposia on current marine conservation topics.
