Stony Brook Professor Speaks at UN Meeting on Global Marine Ecosystem Restoration

June 23, 2026

Newswise — This week an international meeting at the United Nations will feature global scientists looking to find answers about successful marine ecosystem restoration worldwide. The event features discourse among marine science, environmental and climate experts, at the Oceans and Laws of the Sea conference.

Marine restoration is essential the health of the oceans, its creatures, the fishing industry, and the environment, which is now subject to more extreme conditions due to climate change.

One of the key speakers presenting is Ellen Pikitch, PhD, Endowed Professor of Ocean Conservation Science at the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) at Stony Brook University.

Her presentation, which will be given on Wednesday, June 24, at 10:15 AM, highlights Shinnecock Bay on Long Island, New York, which has experienced a major restoration after decades of harmful algae blooms, overfishing of clams, and other problems. She will show how fish species abundance and overall biodiversity have flourished in this essential bay in recent years, following efforts that targeted improvements in water quality – thus providing a rare example of whole ecosystem restoration. Pikitch will also present results demonstrating importance and effectiveness of using (environmental) eDNA methods paired with innovative emissions-free technology to carefully and effectively measure biodiversity in the bay.

Pikitch can also address the larger global picture of the challenges, hurdles, and the need for the universal success of marine ecosystem restoration.

Her presentation can be seen on UN TV, via this link