MERI Announces 20th Anniversary Ocean Lecture Series:
February Lecture to Focus on the Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
Blue Hill, Maine— The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) announces its 20th Anniversary Ocean Environment Lecture Series with a dynamic line-up of the world’s leading marine experts addressing critical ocean issues. The 2010 series is part of MERI’s campaign to save the world’s most important natural resource – the sea. The February 11 lecture “Saving a Species: Students and Science in Action” will highlight efforts to restore the endangered North Atlantic right whale with New England Aquarium researcher Amy Knowlton and Castine students, the Calvineers. A reception will begin at 6 pm followed by the lecture at 7 pm.
As a member of the New England Aquarium Right Whale Research Team, Knowlton has spent more than 25 years studying the species, which migrates annually from Florida to summer feeding grounds in the Bay of Fundy. Centuries of heavy hunting decimated the population by the early 1900s and today only 400 right whales exist. Knowlton studies the impact of vessel strikes and marine debris entanglements, which account for more than half of all North Atlantic right whale deaths. Through research, policy and education outreach, Knowlton works to develop and implement effective protection measures for right whales.
In 2004, Ms. Knowlton teamed with Castine teacher and New England Aquarium volunteer scientist, Bill McWeeny, to mentor The Calvin Project, a student-based science and education effort to protect North Atlantic right whales. Named for their adopted whale, Calvin, the students study the impacts of entanglement and ship strikes, genetics and reproductive rates, pollutants, and habitat loss on the population. The Calvineers share their work with students, educators and the public to increase awareness about the plight of right whales. They recently presented to 2,000 scientists at the Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Quebec City. Honored with a standing ovation, the Calvineers became the youngest scientists ever to present at the international conference.
MERI’s 20th Anniversary lecture series builds on the momentum of the Explorers Club 2009 State of the Oceans forums led by MERI Director Dr. Susan Shaw and oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. It will feature the “Ocean Doctor” Dr. David Guggenheim, submarine pilot and educator, Dr. Nancy Knowlton, Smithsonian coral reef biologist, Richard Ellis, marine author and artist, and Dr. Dave Gallo, sea robotics pioneer and MERI Board member. The February lecture is generously sponsored by Deepwater LLC and Saltmeadow Properties. Blue Hill chef Diane Bianco will prepare appetizers for the reception featuring recipes from her upcoming cookbook, “Let’s Party in Maine!”
The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI), located at 55 Main Street in Blue Hill, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the marine environment and human health through scientific research and education. The public is welcome to visit the MERI Center’s Ocean Aquarium, Sea Lending Library, Eco-Store, and Ocean Art Gallery. For information about our research, monthly lectures, and education programs, please call 374.2135, e-mail to info@meriresearch.org or visit MERI online at www.meriresearch.org.
January 26, 2009