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.
May 15
Incidental Capture of Sharks in High Seas Fisheries: Background, Relative Conservation Impacts and Potential Mitigation Strategies
John Mandelman, research scientist, New England Aquarium
Whether as unintended catch or through inflicted damage on target catch, bait and fishing gear, sharks are commonly encountered by worldwide fishing operations targeting tuna and swordfish. Dr. Mandelman will discuss research by New England Aquarium scientists surrounding the question of whether incidental capture of sharks represents as monumental a threat to shark populations as purposeful capture of the group (for example, for their fins).
Dr. Mandelman’s research primarily focuses on the physiology of elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates) and has addressed many fisheries-related topics. More specifically, he studies bycatch, and how fish, especially sharks, physiologically respond to and survive the rigors of fishing capture.
May 20
Shark Repellents: Selective Technologies and Bycatch Reduction
Eric M. Stroud, lead chemist, SharkDefense
New advances in shark repellent technologies hold promise for reducing shark bycatch in commercial fisheries. By exploiting sharks’ unique sensory systems, repellents are designed to be selective towards sharks and not the target fish. The concepts, use and results to date of chemical repellents, permanent magnets and electropositive metals will be discussed.
Eric Stroud is the lead chemist with SharkDefense. His research interests include chemical signals and pheromones.
May 31
Secrets of the Reef
Jonathan Bird
http://www.secretsofthereef.com/
Jonathan Bird premieres his newest film. Some of you may remember Jonathan's presentation last year featuring his underwater photography. Now see the premiere of this stunning new film about Indo-Pacific reefs, their inhabitants and the dangers facing this unique ecosystem.
This event will take place in the Aquarium's Simons IMAX Theatre at 9:15. Doors open 8:30.
June 2
A Smorgasbord of Options
The New England Aquarium’s Education Department
(Takes place on the Harbor Terrace)
What do Whale Day, Harbor Discoveries Camp and Women In Science Day have in common? They are all programs offered by the New England Aquarium’s education department! Experience the high quality programs we provide for children and adults alike—from unique birthday parties to community outreach programs to sleeping over at the Aquarium. Learn how we teach visitors about the animals and ask your questions.
June 9
Celebes Sea Research
Greg Stone, Vice President of Global Marine Programs, New England Aquarium
Early last fall, Greg Stone took part on an expedition to the Celebes Sea in Southeast Asia. Until recently, most of our knowledge of marine biodiversity in this area had from shallow water environments, leaving the deep sea almost entirely unexplored. This mission explored one of the most intriguing parts of the deep sea—the deep basin of the Celebes Sea south of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.
Greg will discuss his exploration of the Celebes Sea. The researchers used a combination of tools to penetrate and sample the depths. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) took photographs and video and collected specimens down to 3,000 meters. Additional samples were collected with a mid-water trawl net or photographed with baited cameras. Fragile animals in surface waters were filmed and collected by SCUBA divers, with additional samples of zooplankton taken with plankton nets.
June 22
New England Aquarium en Español
The Aquarium will celebrate the Spanish language with Spanish-speaking interpreters during an Open House in the main building and a presentation of the film Deep Sea 3D with Spanish soundtrack at the Simons IMAX Theatre.
The New England Aquarium presents this lecture series with the generous support of the Lowell Institute.
For more information, contact: Vickie Cataldo at vcataldo@neaq.org
or 617-973-0235.
The Lowell Lecture Series is free and open to the public.
Previous Lowell Lectures are available on-line through the WGBH Forum Network.
All lectures are ASL interpreted.
There are no snow dates provided for these programs. Unless the Aquarium is closed due to weather issues, the programs will go on as planned.
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