SoMAS researchers trawl Shinnecock Bay to gauge its baseline of marine life diversity, abundance and distribution. The trawls are part of a large-scale and long-term monitoring effort of the SoMAS Pikitch lab with the goal to document any significant changes in the variability of marine life in the bay and in conjunction with the Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program. Since 2012 trawl surveys have taken place and resulted in identifying more than 100 species of fish and invertebrates in the bay, including this oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau). This species has also been to space on a NASA mission 20 years ago to help scientists understand the effects of microgravity on the vestibular, or balance system, since its vestibular is similar to humans.
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