The Aquarium has been providing free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, photographers and others since 1972. The Aquarium Lecture Series is presented free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute, which has been providing funding for free public lectures at universities and museums since 1836. 

Lectures are free and open to the public but require registration. All programs start at 7 p.m. in the Aquarium's Harborside Learning Lab, unless otherwise noted below.  Programs last approximately one hour followed by a reception.

Monday, Sept. 15

"Thousand Mile Song"

David Rothenberg, author, composer and jazz clarinetist

"Thousand Mile Song" uses the enigma of whale sounds to open up whales' underwater world of sonic mystery. David's search culminates in a grand attempt to make interspecies music—the likes of which no one has ever heard—by playing his clarinet with whales in their native habitats, from Russia to Canada to Hawaii.

Rothenberg is an author, composer and jazz clarinetist, and has six CDs out under his name. Rothenberg is also a professor of philosophy and music at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Free registration

Monday, Sept. 29

The Largest Canyon in the Ocean

Michelle Ridgway, marine ecologist

Zhemchug Canyon is the largest marine canyon in the world. Northwest of Dutch Harbor and about halfway between Alaska and Russia, the Canyon stretches more than 60 miles wide and more than 2,700 meters deep.

Michelle Ridgway, marine ecologist and consultant from Juneau, AK, descended into the enormous canyon alone in a tiny submarine and brought back tales of unique life forms and valuable fish habitats.

Free registration

Monday, Oct. 6

"Whales: Candles, Cheeses and Pigs in Disguise?"

Dr. Heather Koopman, Assistant Professor, Duke University

Whales may not process all of the fats they ingest. How do we know? Whale feces tend to float at the surface and fat floats in water. Koopman observed this and hypothesized that whales may not be using all of the fats they consume.

Heather Koopman specializes in studying lipids or fats in marine mammals—primarily porpoises and whales.

Free registration

Tuesday, Oct. 14

"Tuna: A Love Story"

Richard Ellis, author

This event will take place in the Aquarium's Harbor View Café.


This book covers everything one could want to know about the biggest, fastest, warmest-blooded, warmest-bodied fish in the world, describing the various species of tuna and giving a thorough account of the history of recreational and commercial tuna fishing. The bluefin tuna—hovering on the brink of extinction—receives the most attention.

Richard Ellis is the author of more than a dozen books. He is also a celebrated marine artist whose paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

Free registration


Thursday, Oct. 23

Midway Atoll and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument

Wayne Sentman, biologist and field naturalist, Oceanic Society

The only accessible wildlife refuge within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, Midway offers one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the world. Similar to the Galapagos, much of the wildlife of Midway has remarkably little fear of humans. Few places on the planet allow visitors such close contact with seabirds.

Wayne Sentman has a B.S. from the University of Delaware and has completed graduate courses in Wildlife Management. He has worked as a naturalist and field biologist for the Oceanic Society since 1998.

Free registration

Monday, Oct. 27

Vernal Pool Conservation

Dr. Aram Calhoun, Associate Professor, University of Maine

Take a look at the science behind vernal pool conservation and explore creative ways to effect conservation at the municipal level. Aram Calhoun's research focuses on forested wetlands, vernal pools, amphibians and aquatic invasive plants.

Dr. Aram Calhoun recently co-edited "Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in the Northeastern Parts of North America," a practitioner's guide to vernal pool ecology, stewardship and regulations.

Free registration

Monday, Nov. 10

Journey With a National Geographic Photographer

Brian Skerry, National Geographic photographer and New England Aquarium Overseer

"The oceans are in trouble. As a photo-journalist, I feel a sense of urgency to tell that story," Brian Skerry says. "It's hard for people to understand. The ocean is so vast and deep, and from the surface, from the beach, from the fully stocked seafood restaurants, it looks healthy." Underneath the waves, however, lies a completely different story. Come hear from this photographer who has traveled all over the world and see some of his breathtaking photographs.

Brian became a certified diver at 15 and started taking photographs during his dives. He dreamed of becoming a photojournalist to tell the stories of the world beneath the waves. He has swum alongside sharks in the Bahamas and plunged into an ocean full of giant squid, among other adventures. Brian's passion largely revolves around marine conservation, especially ocean degradation and overfishing. He has been an Aquarium Overseer since 2005.

Free registration

Thursday, Nov. 20

Using Technology to Help Protect the North Atlantic Right Whale

Kerry Lagueux, Associate Scientist, New England Aquarium

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the most endangered large whales in the world, with fewer than 400 individuals. New England Aquarium's research department is employing mapping technology to help understand the patterns of risk for these cetaceans. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is being used to visualize right whale distribution, analyze potential conflicts with humans, and assess the compliance of current regulations to protect this species. Come explore right whale habitats in 3D, visualize ships moving in right whale habitats, and understand the spatial conflict between fishing and right whales.

Kerry joined the New England Aquarium's research department in 2004 as an Associate Scientist. As a geographer, Kerry focuses on using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to help understand the potential conflicts between the North Atlantic right whale and human use in the ocean.

Free registration