Southampton High School Hosts NYS DEC For Educational Shark Necropsy

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (08:23 AM)

Southampton High School students recently had the opportunity to view a necropsy performed by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation technicians on a male common thresher shark that was found deceased off Orchard Beach in the Bronx.

During the necropsy, performed by Kyle Martin, Kayla Bluberg and Ryan McCabe, more than 40 students observed both the external and internal anatomy of a shark species commonly found in Long Island waters and learned the importance of recovering expired marine animals for scientific research. Tissue samples, including portions of the vertebrae, eye, jaw, liver, muscle and brain, were collected and will be sent to four different researchers for further analysis. The samples will contribute to a broader understanding of shark health, biology and marine ecosystems.

The educational event was organized by Southampton High School Marine Research and Aquaculture teacher Greg Metzger as part of the school’s ongoing commitment to providing science-based learning, exposing students to careers and collaborating with external partners.