Birch Aquarium at Scripps Winter Evening Lecture Series

The Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series is having special presentations on research conducted worldwide by scientists.

Below is a description of each lecture as desribed in a Birch Aquarium press release:

Monday, Dec. 12
A New Imperative for Deep-Ocean Stewardship
Lisa A. Levin, biological oceanographer

The deep continental margins were once perceived as monotonous mud slopes of limited ecological or environmental concern. Technological advances now reveal unexpected diversity, with a mosaic of lush habitats and ecosystems that support varied and unusual species fundamental to the health of the ocean and our own lives. Join Scripps biological oceanographer Lisa Levin as she reveals how changes in ocean temperature and chemistry, as well as growing economic opportunities, are placing new pressures on deep-ocean ecosystems, just as we are getting to know them.

Monday, Jan. 9
Marine Protected Areas: A Success Story
Octavio Aburto-Oropeza, postdoctoral researcher

A broad network of regional marine reserves went into effect last fall amid criticism that such areas do not produce a significant amount of marine life. Results from a decade-long study led by Scripps researchers show the opposite – that no-take areas can restore marine ecosystems even better than previously thought. Join lead researcher Octavio Aburto-Oropeza as he showcases the success of the Cabo Pulmo National Park, a thriving undersea reserve near the southern tip of Mexico's Baja peninsula, which has experienced a dramatic 460 percent increase in its fish population since 1999. Discover why Cabo Pulmo is such a success and how conservationists can apply these lessons learned to Southern California's new marine reserves.

Monday, Feb. 13
Fish & Chips:  Using High-Tech Tools to Learn More About Fish
Heidi Dewar, NOAA marine biologist

Technological advancements over the last decade mean that many fish are now swimming around with their own personal computers. These new tools allow researchers to track movements and behaviors in more complex ways without ever getting wet. Join Heidi Dewar, a marine biologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southwest Fisheries Center, to learn about the intriguing discoveries researchers have made and how these high-tech efforts have advanced ocean management and conservation.

Birch Aquarium admission and parking are included in the lecture admission. Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP to the lectures by calling the number below.