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Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Friedlaender at Ocean Institute
December 4 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts. Speakers present on a variety of topics that align with our monthly themes.
Admission includes light snacks and refreshments.
Baleen Whales off California’s Coast
Description:
Marine mammals are sentinels of changing oceans. Because of their massive body size and energetic needs, baleen whales can only thrive in places where ocean conditions promote extraordinary productivity. Thus, the presence of whales and other marine mammals can be thought of as reflecting the emergent properties of healthy oceans, whereas the departure of whales from regions could signal changes in ocean health. California’s coastal waters are home to a great diversity and abundance of marine mammal species, and these waters also encompass one of the largest networks of National Marine Sanctuaries in existence. However, numerous threats impact the lives of these animals from direct interactions with shipping traffic and fishing gear, to chronic exposure to sounds that amplify stress responses, to the accumulation of chemicals and contaminants that enter our oceans from human activities on land. A new multi-faceted research program using a suite of new technologies and emerging tools aims to better understand the risks that baleen whales face in California’s marine sanctuaries so that we can better protect these sentinel animals for generations to come. As part of this work, I am partnering with the UCSC Institute of Arts and Sciences to develop new and more effective ways of communicating our science through exhibitions of works created by local and native artists in California inspired by our findings.
Marine mammals are sentinels of changing oceans. Because of their massive body size and energetic needs, baleen whales can only thrive in places where ocean conditions promote extraordinary productivity. Thus, the presence of whales and other marine mammals can be thought of as reflecting the emergent properties of healthy oceans, whereas the departure of whales from regions could signal changes in ocean health. California’s coastal waters are home to a great diversity and abundance of marine mammal species, and these waters also encompass one of the largest networks of National Marine Sanctuaries in existence. However, numerous threats impact the lives of these animals from direct interactions with shipping traffic and fishing gear, to chronic exposure to sounds that amplify stress responses, to the accumulation of chemicals and contaminants that enter our oceans from human activities on land. A new multi-faceted research program using a suite of new technologies and emerging tools aims to better understand the risks that baleen whales face in California’s marine sanctuaries so that we can better protect these sentinel animals for generations to come. As part of this work, I am partnering with the UCSC Institute of Arts and Sciences to develop new and more effective ways of communicating our science through exhibitions of works created by local and native artists in California inspired by our findings.
Wednesday, December 4, from 5:30 to 8:00
Doors open at 5:30pm, talk begins at 6:00pm
$10 – General
FREE – Members
FREE – Students (with Valid ID)
Doors open at 5:30pm, talk begins at 6:00pm
$10 – General
FREE – Members
FREE – Students (with Valid ID)
About Dr. Friedlaender:
Ari Friedlaender is a Professor in the Ocean Sciences Department and the Faculty Fellow for the Institute for Arts and Sciences at UC Santa Cruz. Ari’s research focuses on using new technology to understand the underwater behavior and ecology of marine mammals and how they are affected by human activity. Recently, Ari’s work in California has documented the behavioral response of several whale and dolphin species to Navy sonar, how anthropogenic pollutants and contaminants are manifesting in different marine mammal species, and how the migratory movements of baleen whales overlaps with both National Marine Sanctuaries as well as human industry including commercial shipping and fishing. Ari has published nearly 200 scientific papers, is a National Geographic Explorer, WWF Antarctic Embassador, a delegate to the International Whaling Commission, Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research, and serves on the Conservation Committee for the Society of Marine Mammalogy, and is Director of Research for the California Ocean Alliance.