In the News

From Stony Brook News , January 22nd, 2026 Coral reefs, the “rainforests of the sea,” face immense pressures from climate change as well as destructive fishing, harmful tourism, coastal development, unsustainable land use, oil spills and other threats that often require regional solutions that span national borders. Addressing these threats is also key to ensuring that coral reefs are as resilient as possible against the accelerating impacts from climate change. Faculty memb

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 accomplished. Advancing the use of eDNA as a low-impact way of assessing biodiversity This year marked our sixth consecutive year of eDNA sampling in Shinnecock Bay, building an impressive d

We are thrilled to announce a ten year commitment that supports IOCS's vision for the future: Pioneering new technology, undertaking policy-relevant science, and enhancing key partnerships. IOCS is grateful to this anonymous donor for providing a foundational grant for us to build on this vision! December 11, 2025 The Institute for Ocean Conservation Science (IOCS) at the State University of New York at Stony Brook has received a $1.6 million gift to establish a research fun

October 13, 2025 Original story from Stony Brook News When the Chesapeake Bay was officially named a Mission Blue Hope Spot in June, Stony Brook University’s Ellen Pikitch saw it as proof that “hope begets hope.” Pikitch, a professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) and executive director of the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science (IOCS), played a key role in expanding the Hope Spot concept from Long Island’s Shinnecock Bay , designated in 202