Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot Expedition
In September 2024, the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science conducted a groundbreaking expedition in Shinnecock Bay that expands the use of environmental DNA for biodiversity assessment by using zero-emission autonomous technologies.
The research is the first of its kind: an integration of an all-electric, self-righting solar powered uncrewed surface vehicle, or USV (the DataXplorer™, from Open Ocean Robotics), with a commercially available eDNA sampler that is compact and can take over 24 samples per outing (the RoCSI™, from McLane Research Laboratories). These two technology types have never before been used in tandem.
The mission was an official flag expedition of The Explorers Club and carried Flag #132.
This work is an expansion of IOCS’s twelve year biodiversity study in Shinnecock Bay, which has used various fisheries monitoring techniques including hand-collected eDNA samples for the past five years. The expedition also represents a broadening partnership with co-PI Dr. Kelsey Leonard and a newly established Indigenous Advisory Council.
.jpg)
Expedition Statistics
-
8 individual deployments during a 2 week period
-
Over 105 hours of on-water sampling time
-
100 eDNA samples taken
-
Over 30 nighttime samples taken
-
27 unique sites sampled
-
9 sites never before surveyed for biodiversity
Expedition Goals
-
Establish the first synoptic survey of the biodiversity of the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot using environmental DNA.
-
Demonstrate proof of concept for how autonomous technology can further the field of eDNA biodiversity assessment
-
Establish an Indigenous Advisory Council made up of individuals from the Shinnecock Indian Nation, who will contribute to Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot research and communication efforts.
Why is this expedition important?
-
Most people do not realize the breadth of biodiversity present in their backyards! eDNA technology reveals all kinds of species present at the time of sampling, from the smallest fish to the largest whales.
-
Surveys can help us determine if our waters are critical grounds for certain species that are commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important
-
Biodiversity surveys, taken over long terms, can show how our waters are changing over time, and in the case of Shinnecock Bay, have responded to ecosystem restoration efforts.
Media
Newsday, September 13th
https://www.newsday.com/long-island/environment/environment-stony-brook-jfyv5odo
WSHU, September 13th
Stony Brook Magazine, September 24, 2024
(same article on Sept 23)
September 27, 2024
Stony Brook Statesman
