[SEMCO] "Oceans Alive" Lectures

[Sheri D. Derosa]

Greetings!

Join WHOI Sea Grant for its 13th annual series of lectures entitled
"Oceans Alive: Plain Talk on Current Topics in Marine Science Presented
for the General Public." The talks are free of charge and are designed
to inform and involve the general public in relevant and timely marine
science issues. This year's series will feature the following
presentations:

Tuesday, April 24
"The Jellies vs. the Fish"
Larry Madin, Senior Scientist, WHOI Biology Department
Ctenophores, or comb jellies, are common predators in coastal waters.
They are beautiful animals that use a combination of stealth and
stickiness to catch small crustaceans and larval fish. Ctenophore
populations have had drastic effects on fisheries elsewhere in the
world.  Along with other jelly predators, they play an important role in
fisheries ecosystems in our region as well.

Tuesday, May 1 ("Oceans Alive" Family Night)
"Young Scientists Present:  Winning Science Fair Projects"
This special evening features science presented by young people. There
will be a poster session and reception following the brief
presentations, allowing an opportunity for discussion and interaction in
an informal setting. Presenters include local high school students from
Falmouth High School, Mashpee High School, and Falmouth Academy. While
students of all ages are welcome, the presentations will be most
appropriate for students in grades 4?12.

Tuesday, May 8
"There's Something Fishy About That Cranberry Bog!"
Dale Leavitt, Aquaculture Specialist, Southeastern Massachusetts
Aquaculture Center (SEMAC), and Brad Morse, Double M Cranberry Company
Massachusetts cranberry growers are reeling from severe reductions in
per barrel prices resulting from overproduction. The bogs represent more
than a cash crop; they serve as a symbol for southeastern Massachusetts
culture and comprise a significant portion of the region's undeveloped
land. Fish farming may provide an alternative source of income for
cranberry bog owners and growers. An innovative pilot project in
Rochester, Mass., is using cutting-edge southern catfish farming
techniques and adapting them to fit northern environmental conditions
and species. . . and it's all happening in a cranberry bog!
All presentations begin at 7:00 p.m. in Redfield Auditorium, Water
Street, Woods Hole (parking is available in the lot opposite the
auditorium). For more information, contact WHOI Sea Grant at (508)
289-2398 or seagrant@whoi.edu.