The National Aquarium is proud to partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) to offer a glimpse into contemporary ocean issues in the 2014 Marjorie Lynn Bank Lecture Series, beginning with famed oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle.
Earle, an American explorer, author and lecturer, kicks off the series with her session, “Hope: A Plan for Our Ocean” on February 27, 2014. In this lecture, Earle will share her experiences exploring “inner-space” to rally support for hope spots, which Earle describes as special places around the world that are critical to the health of the ocean.
“We are excited to have Dr. Sylvia Earle launch our 2014 Marjorie Lynn Bank lecture series. As we partner with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to bring attention to these special aquatic ecosystems and the people working hard to protect them, there is no better starting point than the work of Dr. Earle,” said Eric Schwaab, National Aquarium Chief Conservation Officer.
The year-long speaker series will highlight the diverse network of National Marine Sanctuaries and will give guests the opportunity to learn from experts who are working on the front line of ocean conservation and exploration including luminaries, scientists, explorers and artists.
“We are grateful to the National Aquarium for creating this opportunity to explore America’s underwater treasures without getting wet,” said Jason Patlis, NMSF president and CEO. “Our national marine sanctuaries protect the best of our American ocean, but they are often far offshore and difficult to reach; this lecture series brings national marine sanctuaries to the audience.”
Earle has been a National Geographic explorer-in-residence since 1998, and was named Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998. She recently released a film, Mission Blue, which traces her journey from her earliest memories exploring the ocean to her days leading a daring undersea mission.
WHAT: “Hope: A Plan for Our Ocean” – Marjorie Lynn Bank Lecture Series featuring Dr. Sylvia Earle
TICKETS: $20 for National Aquarium members and $35 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at www.aqua.org or by calling 410-576-3869. Space is limited for this special event.
WHEN: February 27, 2014 – Reception – 6:30 p.m; lecture – 7:00 pm
WHERE: National Aquarium (501 E. Pratt Street)
The National Aquarium will be broadcasting the series live via Google Hangout. More information can be found at www.aqua.org/lectures.
Additional lecture series events include “Ocean Soul: A Photojournalist’s Journey” with Brian Skerry on March 18; “The Power of Film: Inspiring Action for Monterey Bay” with Bob Talbot on April 22; and “Humpback Whale Rescue in the Hawaiian Islands” with Ed Lyman on May 7.
