The Ever Changing Tide: The Ecological Dynamics of the Earth’s Oceans as Exemplified through the Biodiversity of the Flushing New York Seafood Markets

Species List

2000-2001

The project involved the collection, identification and imaging of over 400 aquatic species found between 2000 and 2001 at several Queens (NYC) seafood markets and focused on recent population declines and commercial extinctions. For one-year, I lead public surveys with collaborating biologists to search markets for new species. Through public participation and installations at host seafood markets, the work attempted to inform viewers (shoppers) on ecological sustainable seafood choices. The work culminated in a large installation at the Queens Museum of Art (NYC) consisting of multi-lingual texts, photographic prints of selected species, preserved specimens as well  installations in several participating markets.

Primary scientific and research collaborators: Carl Safina, National Audubon Society, Living Ocean Program (USA) Todd Gardiner, Hofstra University (USA) Mercedes Lee, National Audubon Society, Living Ocean Program (USA) Peter Warny, New York State Museum (USA)

Learn more about this project.