Stony Brook’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS,) Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, and the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation have announced a public-private partnership that will promote collaboration between the three institutions. The partnership makes the research expertise of SoMAS faculty available in support of Atlantis Marine World Aquarium and Riverhead Foundation efforts, and provides Stony Brook students with opportunities for hands-on learning in the fields of aquaculture, science education, and marine animal rehabilitation.
“I am delighted that we are able to establish an official collaboration between three amazing entities, each committed to environmental education, research, and the protection, rescue, and rehabilitation of marine life,” said Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley. “This promising and exciting initiative is an example of an agreement between people with a shared mission and a desire to achieve mutual goals in the best possible setting.”
“This partnership is unique in that it unites a public non-profit organization, a private non-profit organization, and a private enterprise,” said David Conover, dean of SoMAS. “We are thrilled to form this alliance with these two vital Long Island institutions, both of which provide unique opportunities for education and practical experience in marine science.”
SoMAS recently initiated undergraduate degree programs in marine biology and marine vertebrate biology and this partnership will provide interested students with opportunities to gain real-world practical experience through internships at Atlantis Marine World Aquarium and at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York State’s only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center. Riverhead Foundation staff will also enrich the SoMAS student experience by teaching classes on marine mammals and rehabilitation of marine mammals and sea turtles.
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