Marine Science Talk: The Forge River, a Case Study

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y., October 24, 2007— Stony Brook Southampton continues its marine science talks on Friday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Duke Lecture Hall. The event is free and open to the public with a reception to follow. For further information, call 631-283-4020.

Bruce Brownawell and Chris Gobler, Associate Professors in Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, will discuss “The Forge River: Progress Toward Understanding Contaminant Sources and Their Effects on a South Shore Estuary.” This talk is the third in a new series, “Critical Issues Facing Long Island’s Marine Waters,” which aims to educate students, researchers and the public on topical and local environmental issues. The event is sponsored by the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.

Expanding development along Suffolk County’s shorelines has led to a host of    environmental problems in recent years. Located in Mastic, N.Y., the Forge River exemplifies this situation, recently experiencing low oxygen levels, water discoloration, foul odors and die-offs of marine life. In 2006, Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences began working with local government agencies and citizen groups to document the extent of the environmental problems and to assist in devising solutions to improve the quality of the Forge River. This presentation will represent a status report of these efforts.