January 2019 Vol. 5 No. 1 The Monitor CoastalTHE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF CERCOM AT MOLLOY COLLEGE / CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND COASTAL OCEANS MONITORING FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK: Albert Einstein once was quoted, “I never worry about the future. It comes soon enough.” As we celebrate our 5th year of CERCOM at Molloy College, we look back on our accomplishments to our continued academic immersion of our students in science, field studies, and conservation. As Einstein professed the future will be here soon enough however monitoring and observing natural systems is an immense continuum. Because we can’t recreate the past, environmental guardianship and observation as scientists, is time consuming and can be expensive. Of course how one defines expense is the key. The OECD Commission (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) noted that uncontrolled unregulated emissions of environmental contaminants (xenobiotic) and global pollution costs in general, have been estimated at $4.6 trillion annually in infrastructure deterioration and loss of services, not to mention the loss or debilitating effects on human health and/or ecosystem health. Air pollution alone kills an estimated 3 million people per year worldwide from asthma, heart disease and other ill health conditions. Thus the need for an even greater IN THIS ISSUE: commitment of financial resources to environmental conservation and monitoring of natural systems. As we progress toward 2020, an epic phrase coined by microbiologist René Dubos, “Think Globally, 2018 PHYTO- Act Locally”, looms even more importantly as we review the environmental issues facing us on Long Island. There are an assortment of issues. Myopia plagues all levels of local environmental protection PLANKTON especially those ignoring factors which historically contribute to “sprawl”. The variables contributing to any environmental issue whether the source is a non-point source, or a prevalent natural element, under INVENTORY “normal” conditions can be a significant contributor to the health of living systems. Unfortunately, on Long Island, where the natural resources are vibrant and richly productive, the environmental message has suffered a resounding “shifting baseline syndrome.” A lack of collaborative efforts and an absence of true scientific rigor, unbiased by misinformed self-interest creating a “crisis” casually omits other perspectives at the expense of SUMMER illumination of dissenting views and varied scientific research results. In many instances over the last decade opposing opinions and positions, based upon actual scientific field investigations, have been totally ignored or INTERNSHIPS downplayed. This CERCOM newsletter will reveal some of the societal environmental issues facing the future of Long Island. We must always seek reasonable solutions to environmental problems whether real or perceived. When concerns STEM are new and unexplored, adaptability is critical in learning from those who may have already experienced your “issue”. The context, the science, the causations, while difficult to grasp, or even understand, ultimately require educating EVENTS one’s self. Monitoring is critical and underappreciated but is absolutely necessary to cover a constantly changing environment. We attempt to generate a steady stream of data for analysis at the Molloy College CERCOM Field Station which is unrelentingly discussed, explored and explained. Results of good science should not have an economic interest or an environmentally correct agenda. In this issue of “The Coastal Monitor” results of 15 year investigations of Horseshoe ...and more! Crabs on Long Island, water quality of Great South Bay and pH levels affecting our island ecosystem. Use it well and please join me in the discussion at CERCOM on this continuous journey. Please don’t worry about the future for it is already here. John T. Tanacredi, Ph.D. Director of CERCOM, and Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Molloy College Department of BCES (Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Studies) [email protected] | P: 516.323.3591 | P: 516.323.3415 VISIT WWW.MOLLOY.EDU/CERCOM TO VIEW REPORTS Mr. Kyle Maurelli Ms. Regina Gorney CERCOM at Molloy College 132 Clyde Street, Room 8 Scientific Research Administrative Coordinator Technical Assistant (SRTA) 516.323.3594 West Sayville, NY 11796 P: 516.323.3594 | F: 631.319.6195 516.323.3590 [email protected] [email protected] 2 The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 CERCOM DATA & RESEARCH 15 YEARS OF HSC MONITORING RESULTS CERCOM DATA and RESEARCH

LONG15 years ISLAND HSC MOLLOYMonitoring COLLEGE/CERCOM Results HORSESHOE CRAB INVENTORYLong Island ANDMolloy MONITORING:College/ CERCOM Considerable Horseshoe Crab concern Inventory exists and regarding Monitoring: the Considerabledecline for the concern North American Horseshoeregarding Crab the (HSC), decline Limulus for the polyphemusNorth American, on HorseshoeLong Island Crab beaches. (HSC), Molloy Limulus College’s polyphemus Center, on for Long Environmental Island Researchbeaches. and Molloy Coastal College’s Oceans CenterMonitoring for Environmental (CERCOM) has Research been monitoring and Coastal this Oceans for the Monitoring past 15 years. (CERCOM) CERCOM’s missionhas beenis to monitormonitoring a continuouslythis for the past growing 15 years. number CERCOM’s of 115 missiondifferent is tobeach monitor sites, a continuouslyfrom Brooklyn growing to Montauk, each yearnumber during ofoptimal 115 different breeding beach season sites, to from inventory Brooklyn HSCto populationsMontauk, each and year active during breeding optimal sites. breeding In Newseason York toState’s Marineinventory District, HSC which populations is mostly and comprised active breeding of the Longsites. IslandIn New coastline, York State’s there Marine is currently District, nowhich reliable is mostly or routine large comprised of the Long Island coastline, there is currently no reliable or routine large scale inventory network scale inventory network existing for determining HSC populations or habitat. Molloy College’s CERCOM works to existing for determining HSC populations or habitat. Molloy College’ CERCOM works to record annually on recordthe annuallystatus of theon theLimulus status polyp of thehemus Limulusalong polyphemusLong Island. along The resultsLong Island. have been The results summarized have been in two summarized charts in twohere charts revealing here revealing a declining a declining number of number observed of observedanimals on animals these beache on theses. Figure beaches. 1 exhibits Figurea 1declining exhibits rate a declining of rateapproximately of approximately 1 percent 1% per per year. year. Figure Figure 2 2 is is even even more more significant significant as as thethe number number o f of“breeding “breeding beaches” beaches” have declinedhave declinedby 8% over by aboutthis same 8% overtime this period. time CERCOMperiod. CERCOM interns are interns assisting are assisting in investigating in investigating this phenomenon this each summer.phenomenon each summer.

Figure 1 Annual "Tip of Brooklyn to Tip of Montauk" Horseshoe Crab Inventory (2003-2018) 16 Year Trend Summary

7908 8000

6000 5501 4655 4376 4000 2202 1746 1458 1490 1653 2000 1100 951 297 244 497 340 407 0

Total # of HSCseach year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Year y = -123.55x + 3226.8 Figure 2 Annual "Tip of Brooklyn to Tip of Montauk" Horseshoe Crab Inventory (2003-2017) Percent (%) none detected per year

100 y = 0.4382x + 46.65 90 R² = 0.0098 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Year # of Beach Sites Visitedwith NO HSCsPresent

3

The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 3 2018 Phytoplankton Inventory Results The CERCOM phytoplankton sampling results reveal the natural biodiversity of the Great South Bay’s primary producers. CERCOM collected plankton samples from five water quality sites weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The chart identifies species from sample sites, as well as individual site reports. All species are presented in average numbers, with no hazardous blooms reported in 2018. CERCOM will continue to conduct plankton inventories annually and provide the inventory listing to NOAA. Contact Dr. John T. Tanacredi at [email protected] to request the full report.

Site Coordinates Weeks Tested Species Found Sexton N 40.39.247 W 073.11.559 15 24 Ocean Beach N 40.39.076 W 073.09.317 15 23 Ocean Bay Park N 40.39.153 W 073.08.473 15 23 Sailor Haven N 40.39.696 W 073.06.479 15 23 Cherry Grove N 40.40.241 W 073.04.785 15 23

Each year since 2002, CERCOM has collected water quality data from Great South Bay regarding pH. This figure shows the declining pH average values for Great South Bay for the last 5 years.

For a full list of our reports go to our CERCOM link: www.molloy.edu/cercom 4 The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 Meet the Interns at CERCOM In 2017, Ms. Jenn Weinewski was a summer intern at CERCOM at Molloy College. Ms. Weinewski a student at Boston College completed her senior research paper based upon her CERCOM Horseshoe Crab Inventory work. Her thesis was to evaluate the health of Limulus polyphemus populations on several breeding beaches on Long Island as well as identify the possible causes behind any changes observed in population numbers per site or the habitat suitability of each site. Ms. Weinewski assigned health rating to each beach for Horseshoe Crabs on Long Island, looked at 56 beaches as to “changes” identified by viewing historic and existing shoreline satellite images since 2004 and with help from ArcGIS. She established 4 status descriptions (Dead, Warning, Recovering, and Healthy) to help determine health of coastlines for breeding animals. The results will be presented at the 4th International Conference on Horseshoe Crab Biology and Conservation in China, June 2019. Please contact Dr. Tanacredi at [email protected] for results. Jenn Weinewski, 2017 Summer Intern Boston College 2018 CERCOM Summer Interns Another Great year of student participation in natural history and ecological monitoring on Long Island.

Molloy College: Helen Pham, Nicole Contreras, Stephanie Mejia (Nursing); Tierney Hesse (Education); Shawn Martin (Earth & Environmental Studies); Pierce Courtney (Biology); Thomas Dolan and Kevin O’Donnell (Earth & Environmental Studies). Fordham University: Brandon Tannenbaum- (Environmental Law) SUNY Maritime: Kevin Peteroy (Marine Biology) Pictured: Shawn Martin, Kevin Peteroy, Suffolk Community College: John Corallo (Environmental Science) Brandon Tannenbaum, Tierney Hesse, and Nicole Contreras

Shawn Martin, Earth & Environmental Studies Student is a real Rock Star at the American Museum of Natural History. Shawn is seen here identifying and sorting and categorizing different mineral voucher specimens from all over the world.

Environmental Student Amanda Chiappone presents her Helen Pham C-Step student presenting Kevin Peteroy and Shawn Martin research entitled Potential Affects of Ocean Acidification research performed at CERCOM on demonstrate seining with students and Sea Level Rise on a Proposal for an “Atlantic Coast Horseshoe Crab Conservation. visiting CERCOM. Whale System Highway” at the Earth Day Colloquium 2018

For more information regarding CERCOM Internships for College Students and the Earth and Environmental Studies Program at Molloy College, contact Dr. John T. Tanacredi, PhD | [email protected] | 516.323.3591 or 516.323.3415

For a digital copy of the CERCOM Brochure, visit www.bit.ly/CERCOMbooklet The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 5 Southside High STEM/STEAM Collaborative Events

School Students Students engage with Horseshoe Crabs at World Science Festival Visit CERCOM in NYC

At the request of Dr. Bogner, President of Molloy College, and Dr. Johnson, Superintendent Rockville Centre Schools, CERCOM conducted a pilot Marine Science Academy for high school students from Southside High School in the CERCOM Lab Tech, Kyle Maurelli Introduces Horseshoe Crabs to Rockville Centre School District. Students at SUBMERGE The students had an enriching experience as noted SUBMERGE NYC by these photos: Marine Science Festival

Artist, Rachael Champion, raises awareness of the importance of the Blue Blood given to us by the Horseshoe crab. Exhibition at Hales Gallery in NYC, 8 September - 13 October 2018

Interstate 495 is a Terminal Moraine

Rachael Champion is represented by Hales Gallery, London, New York www.halesgallery.com | www.rachaelchampion.com

A special art exhibit using Horseshoe Crabs was created by Lisa Mackie, held at the JUNE KELLY Gallery, in NYC September 6, 2018 to October 9, 2018. It was a fascinating opportunity to witness the influence and inspiration of art and science efforts.

Visit: http://bit.ly/STEMandCERCOM for more information on STEM and CERCOM Initiatives! 6 The Coastal Monitor • January 2019

The 4th Annual Earth Day Colloquium the food supply (Manhattan) for these and Alumni Sponsored Fundraiser whales while recommending that a The 4th on April 20, 2018, “Neotropical Bird “Whale Super Highway” in the Atlantic Migration”, was an outstanding success Ocean be designated. David Grant, with over 100 participants throughout Director of the Shark Institute discussed Annual the day. Vice President, Edward J. the impact of changing ocean chemistry Thompson kicked off the day’s events on shark biology however also showed noting Molloy College received $2.4 how sharks are in trouble due to shark Earth Day million in two grants from the National fins being sought after with not much Science Foundation (NSF) for freshman preservation of this harvesting for no STEM student scholarships (ASPIRE) purpose on a global scale. These top Colloquium and for junior/senior science / math predators are being eliminated creating education majors (NOYCE) scholarships a host of ecological concerns throughout as teachers. Keynote Speaker, David the global oceans. Finally, Sean O’Neil, Overview J. Manning, Director of Brookhaven the Peconic Baykeeper discussed National Laboratories (BNL), provided his efforts for enforcement and some an inspirational overview of the role observations of changes in water and function of BNL and field station chemistry and sea level rise! The day’s supporting scientists around the world, events ended with two mini-workshops, and, a source of internships for science one on Horseshoe Crab Inventory for students that can be part of a career path. 2018 with Kyle Maurelli and Designation Director Manning touched on the work of Fire Island National Seashore as a World presently being accomplished at BNL Heritage Site. Molloy College students in sea level rise and ocean acidification studying Earth and Environmental gave research investigations. poster presentations on the topic areas presented by the presenters. A variety of conservation, government and non-governmental organizations That evening, we held a fundraiser for (NGO’s), that day included Kevin scholarships for students had Dr. Richard McAllister, Defend H2O, who spoke Viet, Professor of Biology, The College of about coastal erosion and identified Staten Island, CUNY talking about his several beaches on eastern Long Island research with neo-tropical birds that that were emblematic of the policies migrate along the Atlantic Flyway, for shoreline protection on Long Island from South America to Canada and which were not very effective. Chris Alaska, each year, many that feed Schubert, United States Geological on Horseshoe Crab eggs! Dr. Viet Survey, (USGS), covered the key issues identified the problems of habitat of rising seas to the quality of ground loss and declining Horseshoe Crabs water resources. Paul Sieswerda of as main concerns for conservation Gotham Whale showed incredible film efforts to protect several migrant bird footage of humpback whales breeding species: Red Knot and Ruddy Turnstone. while feeding under the Verrazano Bridge, and called to action to protect

Keynote Speaker David Manning Kellenberg Memorial H.S. STEM Club Ed Thompson, VP for Advancement at Brookhaven National Labs, pictured Students attend Earth Day 2018 Molloy College, welcomes attendees. here with Dr. John T. Tanacredi

The 2019 Earth Day Colloquium will be postponed so we can bring you Dr. Sylvia Earle on May 22, 2019. More information on next page. The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 7

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE WOMEN in SCIENCE CONFERENCE omen MAY 22, 2019 in With Keynote Speaker: cience Dr. Sylvia Earle at the MADISON THEATRE National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence Dr. Sylvia A. Earle. Dr. Earle is a called a Living 10am until 2pm Legend by the Library of Congress, and first Hero for FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT REGINA GORNEY: [email protected] the Planet by Time Magazine, is an oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer with experience as a OR CALL 516.323.3594 field research scientist, government official, and director for corporate and non-profit organizations. THE MADISON THEATRE AT MOLLOY COLLEGE IS LOCATED AT Dr. Earle is the Honorary President of the Explorers 1000 HEMPSTEAD AVE. | ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY Club; World Center for exploration. TO REGISTER, VISIT: HTTP://CONNECT.MOLLOY.EDU/WOMENINSCIENCE

CERCOM Women in Science Save the Date.indd 2 12/5/2018 1:21:17 PM

Dr. Sylvia A. Earle is Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society, Founder of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.) / Mission Blue, Founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research Inc. (DOER), Chair of the Advisory Council for the Harte Research Institute and former Chief Scientist of NOAA. Author of more than 200 publications and leader of more than 100 expeditions with over 7,000 hours underwater, Dr. Earle is a graduate of Florida State University with M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Duke University and 27 honorary doctorates. Her research concerns the ecology and conservation of marine ecosystems and development of technology for access to the deep sea. She is the subject of the Emmy® Award Winning Netflix documentary, Mission Blue, and the recipient of more than 100 national and international honors and awards including being named Time Magazine’s first Hero for the Planet, a Living Legend by the Library of Congress, 2014 UNEP Champion of the Earth, Glamour Magazine’s 2014 Woman of the Year, member of the Netherlands Order of the Golden Ark, and winner of the 2009 TED Prize, the Walter Cronkite Award, the 1996 Explorers Club Medal, the Royal Geographic Society 2011 Patron’s Medal, and the National Geographic 2013 Hubbard Medal. Dr. Earl will give the Keynote address on May 22, 2019 for our “Women in Science” Conference and will be the first recipient of the Irving Like Memorial Global Conservation Award given by Molloy College/ CERCOM to a person who demonstrates a lifetime commitment to the conservation of the Earth’s Oceans and Natural history.

Visit http://connect.molloy.edu/womeninscience and register today! 8 The Coastal Monitor • January 2019

Dr. Tanacredi is a member of the Planning Committee for the 4th International Workshop on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs. This is the follow- up symposium initiated in 2007 by Dr. Tanacredi and the founding committee of the subsequently organized Scientific Specialists Group (SSG) on Horseshoe Crabs under the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). Dr. Mark Botton (Fordham University) and Dr. Paul Shin (Hong Kong City University) co-chair the SSG under IUCN and are the present oversight along with Dr. B. Kwan and Dr. W. Lin, of Qinzhou University, Qinzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, who are organizing this workshop along with Dr. Tanacredi to be held June 15 – 20, 2019, in Qinzhou City, China.

Dr. Tanacredi is a member of the IUCN-SSG and Co-Chairs the Red-List Review Sub-Committee which provides review and input to the preparation of an application for inclusion on the IUCN’s Red List (International Endangered Species Listing) of all four species of Horseshoe Crabs on Earth. The workshop will include plenary talks oral presentations, posters and field excursions to cover Horseshoe Crab population ecology, evolution, education, biotechnology, and conservation challenges. For more information contact Dr. John T. Tanacredi, PhD. [email protected]. Meet Some Local CERCOM Advisory Council Members

Dr. Ron Abrams, CEP Dr. Mark L. Botton Dru Associates, Inc. Professor of Biology in the Glen Cove, NY Department of Natural [email protected] Sciences Fordham University Trained as an ecologist [email protected] in the United States and South Africa, Ron has Dr. Mark L. Botton is Professor worked for the Percy of Biology in the Department FitzPatrick Institute of of Natural Sciences at Fordham African Ornithology in Cape Town and the New York State University. Trained as a marine ecologist, I have published Department of Environmental Conservation. Now for 32 over 50 articles and book chapters on various aspects of the biology of horseshoe crabs, an animal that I have studied over years he has worked as an independent ecological consultant four decades. I co-edited the book, Biology and Conservation for Dru Associates, Inc., covering the tristate area addressing of Horseshoe Crabs, with Dr. John Tanacredi, CERCOM land-use management where it involves wetlands, coastal zones Director. I am the Co-Chairman of the IUCN (International and endangered species. His specialty is wetland creation and Union for the Conservation of Nature) Horseshoe Crab enhancement. Dr. Abrams has taught conservation biology Species Specialist Group, and the Co-Director of Fordham’s at Long Island University, Rhodes University and University Environmental Science Program. Several of our Environmental of Cape Town in South Africa, and is published in peer- Science students have been Summer Interns at CERCOM reviewed journals as well as the Elsevier Encyclopedia of the and Fordham is very grateful to Dr. Tanacredi and his staff Anthropocene on wetlands, marine ecology and global climate for their continued cooperation with us. I regard CERCOM change policy. He has served the Society for Conservation as an important educational and research facility and am Biology as a Governor and as a Director of the Africa Section. proud to be a member of the CERCOM Advisory Council. Ron lives in Glen Cove, with his wife Marilyn, where they raised two youngsters. He grew up on Long Island before traveling to Africa in 1974, and he will retire to the Wild Coast of South Africa. The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 9

Lisa Breslof Tim Green Collection Manager, American Brookhaven National Laboratory Museum of Natural History [email protected] [email protected]

Tim Green wears many hats at Brookhaven National Laboratory including Environmental Compliance As Collection Manager for group manager, Natural Resources Manager, and Cultural the teaching collection in the Resources Manager. His broad responsibilities ensure that Department of Education at the American Museum of the Lab maintains a positive compliance status with all Natural History, I am responsible for the acquisition, object environmental requirements. Mr. Green serves an Advisory care, inventory, data-base management, and the collection Council Member on CERCOM and also serves as the Council management policy. I oversee the physical care of objects and Commissioner with Suffolk County Council, Boy Scouts of work collaboratively with Education Department staff, and the America. Museum registrar and conservator. AMNH supports CERCOM through its Department of Dr. Ronald G. Hellman Education teaching collections in earth science, environmental Professor & Dir. Americas Center on Science science, and marine science. Students interact with objects in and Society (ACSS) Paleontology, Mineralogy, and Marine Biology that align with [email protected] and support education about coastal research at CERCOM. The world-class exhibition halls of Earth and Planetary Sciences Professor Hellman directs the Americas Halls and the Hall of Ocean Life provide a biodiversity of Center on Science and Society (ACSS), earth environments and up to date real-time research from and is a member of the doctoral around the world that further supports study at CERCOM. faculty in Sociology at the CUNY Graduate Center. A political scientist and co-founder of the research group Kevan Cleary, Attorney IACERE- a multi- national team of natural and social US –Department of Justice (DOJ) scientists on comparative ecosystems- his publications [email protected] include CHILE LITORAL: Scientific Dialogue on Coastal Pictured: Kevan Cleary (left); Ecosystems; NEW YORK BEYOND THE NEW WORLD son Lyle Cleary & pets, Ollie & Luke ORDER; and CITIES IN CRISIS. On CERCOM’s Kevan Cleary is Senior Trial Counsel Advisory Board since its inception, cooperating in that in the office of the U.S. Attorney for capacity with numerous organizations including: the New the Eastern District of New York York Academy of Sciences, and the Worldwide Network of (Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk Mexican Research (PROFMEX). He and Professor Tanacredi and Staten Island). He has litigated also organized an international symposium on The Resilient many environmental cases to protect the wetlands in Jamaica Horseshoe Crab. Professor Hellman was member of the Bay, Oyster Bay and Peconic Bay. He has also sued importers of United Nations International Panel on Climate Change Linx skins and elephant ivory. Mr. Cleary is Chair of the New (IPCC), served as expert reviewer for the National Science York County Lawyers Association Animal Law Committee. Foundation’s (NSF) Directorate on Social and Behavioral He directs the annual Animal Rescue Law Forum at NYCLA. Sciences, and continues his current research on the role The Forum focuses on Long Island wildlife protection. The of science and governance in coastal and river ecosystems. Animal Law Committee works with CERCOM to educate the public about wildlife and habitat protection. http://nycbar. org/member-and-career-services/committees/animal-law- committee

10 The Coastal Monitor • January 2019

Dr. Merryl Kafka Executive Board Member, NYSMEA; Paul L. Sieswerda Director Gotham Whale Executive Director, [email protected] Gotham Whale [email protected] In her capacity as Curator of Education at the N. Y. Aquarium, (now retired), Dr. After retiring in 2009 from a long career Kafka has been providing marine science as Curator at both the New England and programming to families, students, and teachers throughout NY Aquariums, Paul L. Sieswerda was drawn to studying the the NYC area. She is co-founder of the Rachel Carson HS of whales that are returning to the waters around NY City. “The Coastal Studies in Coney Island, and serves on the Executive whales came to me.” he says. Sieswerda has developed the Board of the New York State Marine Education Association 501c3 organization, Gotham Whale, to study, educate about, (NYSMEA). Director of Education for Gotham Whale, a and advocate for, the marine mammals around NYC. Gotham citizen science non-profit organization dedicated to research, Whale maintains a database of marine mammal sightings from education and advocacy for the humpback whales. Both their observations aboard the American Princess, a whale watch Gotham Whale and NYSMEA are eager partners to advance boat out of Rockaway, Queens and other Citizen Science the educational and research-based work established by sources. Gotham Whale keeps The NYC Humpback Whale CERCOM. Gotham Whale offers college students internships Catalog which identifies individual whales from photographs on The American Princess, to assist in the collection of data on of their flukes. Gotham Whale tracks the species, location, and tracking the whales, and providing educational demonstrations behavior to gain insight into the whales as they come closer and with bio facts to passengers. closer to the Big City. We work closely with CERCOM to advise on marine environmental issues and to help Dr. Tanacredi NYSMEA’s professional network can match a student’s develop plans for protecting the Whale Superhighway interest with the right fit for internship opportunities along Long Island and to collaborate on Citizen Science in science writing, social media, field work, community projects with the involvement of Molloy College students. science events, service learning credits, and career opportunities. Contact Dr. Tanacredi for more information. Dr. Vishal Shah Dr. Artie Kopelman Associate Dean, College of the Coastal Research & Educational Sciences and Mathematics, Society of Long Island West Chester University [email protected] [email protected]

Dr. Artie Kopelman is a population Dr. Vishal Shah is the Associate Dean ecologist whose research interests, since of the College of the Sciences and Mathematics at West 1987 include the population dynamics and feeding ecology Chester University of Pennsylvania. Research in Dr. Shah’s of fin and humpback whales of New York and New England; lab focuses on soil microbiome and its relationship to human and since 1995, the population dynamics of pinnipeds of NY. and environmental health. Dr. Shah mentors a number of Through the use of photo-identification, Dr. Kopelman has elementary, middle and high school students in his laboratory. been examining the site fidelity of harbor seals at Cupsogue He is serving on the editorial board of Environmental Beach Park in Westhampton Beach, NY, since 2006. He Monitoring and Assessment, Frontiers of Young Minds received his Ph.D. in Biology in 1982 from The Graduate and Chronicles of the New Researcher. The support for School and University Center of CUNY. Dr. Kopelman is a CERCOM roots back to commitment of providing quality Full Professor of Science in the Department of Science and field experience to K-12 and undergraduate students. Mathematics, Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of NY. In May 2010, Dr. Kopelman was appointed a Distinguished Service Professor by the State University of New York Board of Trustees. Distinguished Professorship is the highest honor conferred upon instructional faculty in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Dr. Kopelman is also the president, co-founder, and webmaster of the Coastal Research and Educational Society of Long Island (CRESLI; http://cresli.org) and a director of Save the Great South Bay (http://savethegreatsouthbay.org). The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 11

In Memory – Mr. Irving Like Environmental Attorney, STEM Activist, Brilliant Mind, and Friend Initiatives: Dr. Tanacredi is the Long Island STEM Hub RIC This past September, a dear friend and colleague, Irving Coordinator for Life Sciences and he assisted in the Like passed away at age 93. Irving Like’s passion and planning of the Long Island STEM Hub Career perseverance for the wellbeing of all Long Islanders Conversations Night on October 24, 2018 at helped shape our Island forever. (See Newsday, Oct. 14, 2018, Irving Like Slew Dragons, Michael Dobie) the Cradle of Aviation in Garden City. The event that was an opportunity to share STEM (Science, Irving was an activist who stopped the Shoreham Nuclear Technology, Engineering and Math) academic Power Plant from ever opening; was the legal mind that programs, and grow the network of future college prevented Robert Moses from building roadway from the applicants. Why? Because it is recognized that all mainland of Long Island to Fire Island; and up until the day he passed, advocated to have Fire Island designated a the great opportunities right here on Long Island World Heritage Site (WHS). to prepare for STEM careers are instrumental in molding a future talented workforce in our region! In 2017, a scholarship was established at Molloy College’s CERCOM Field Station by Mr. Like which Career conversations night was designed to allowed Molloy College, alumni and current students to introduce the next generation STEM workforce benefit from Irving’s generosity supporting research on WHS designation for Fire Island and conservation issues to Long Island industries from healthcare to that Molloy College’s Earth and Environmental Science engineering to aviation, and the limitless career students take part in each semester. avenues that awaits them. Over 300 students, grades 7 to 12, and their parents attended to hear (Irving Like speaks workforce leaders introduce the diversity of careers at a hearing in in their fields of work and how to prepare for them. Jamesport on This was an opportunity for the Long Island business Nov. 28, 1979. community and institutions of higher education Photo Credit: to collaboratively introduce students and parents Newsday File / about careers important to Long Island’s future and Bob Luckey) the institutions on Long Island that can prepare them for these well-paying jobs. CERCOM’s Scientific Technical Assistant, Kyle Maurelli presented a PowerPoint prepared by Dr. Tanacredi and Irving Like and STEM-HUB at BNL Education Coordinator Ken White, Dr. Tanacredi 2017 which provided students and their parents a chance to see in detail Molloy College’s academic programs and CERCOM’s Field Station Science (STEM) support facility. Dr. Tanacredi then attended the STEM-HUB annual High School Career Awareness Colloquium at the Cradle of Aviation where an additional 250 To make a donation to the Earth & Environmental students received an introduction to the BS in Earth Studies Scholarship for Molloy College students and Environmental Studies at Molloy College and http://connect.molloy.edu/eesscholarship the CERCOM Field Station programs. To view the Long Island STEM Hub Career Conversations go to: http://bit.ly/LongIslandSTEMhub 12 The Coastal Monitor • January 2019 WANT TO HAVE A CAREER IN THE SCIENCES? CHECK OUT THESE TWO GRANTS AWARDED TO MOLLOY COLLEGE STUDENTS!

Molloy College awarded $2.1 million in grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to benefit Molloy College students who pursue a career in the sciences or science education.

to Careers in Science at Molloy College

Biology or Earth and Environmental Sciences majors with financial need can become ASPIRE scholars: A: Academic support S: Scholarships for 4-years P: Professional mentoring I: Internship opportunities R: Research early immersion E: Enrichment activities

Prepare for employment and/or graduate studies in a science-related field

For additional information THE ASPIRE GRANT ISContact OPEN Dr. TO Maureen ALL SanzMOLLOY COLLEGE THE NOYCE AMBASSADORS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO 516.323.3405 or [email protected] FRESHMEN WITH FINANCIALThis program is funded NEED, by a grant MAJORING from the National Science IN Foundation BIOLOGY AND MOLLOY COLLEGE JUNIORS, WHO WISH TO TEACH GRADES EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES WHO ARE PREPARING 7 THROUGH 12 IN BIOLOGY, EARTH SCIENCE AND/OR FOR EMPLOYMENT OR GRADUATE STUDIES IN A SCIENCE FIELD. MATHEMATICS.

CONTACT Dr. Maureen Sanz CONTACT Dr. Audrey Cohan at 516.323.3405 | [email protected] at 516.323.3123 | [email protected] or Dr. John T. Tanacredi at 516.323.3594 | [email protected]