Restoring Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot Through Indigenous Leadership and Ocean Science

A new visual story highlights the people and partnerships driving restoration in the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spot® on Long Island, New York. Led by scientists from Stony Brook University in collaboration with the Shinnecock Nation, this effort combines cutting-edge research with generations of Indigenous stewardship to restore a vital coastal ecosystem.

At the heart of the work is an innovative, low-impact approach to studying marine life using environmental DNA, collected by a solar-powered uncrewed vessel. This technology is helping researchers better understand biodiversity while protecting sensitive habitats.

Designated a Mission Blue Hope Spot in 2022, Shinnecock Bay is showing tangible signs of recovery after decades of degradation. The project demonstrates how science, culture, and community can come together to rebuild ocean health—and offers a powerful model for coastal restoration efforts around the world.

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