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Friday, December 7, 2018

Aquarium hosts Dec. 11 forum

“The Future of Marine Protected Areas in a Changing Climate”

Image result for Future of Marine Protected Areas in a Changing ClimateOn Tuesday, December 11, Mystic Aquarium continues its popular Conservation in Action Series with “The Future of Marine Protected Areas in a Changing Climate”, which  will address the future of marine protected areas with a panel discussion featuring prominent researchers with a unique perspective. The event will take place from  6:30-8:30pm at Mystic Aquarium.

Climate change is one of the most significant threats facing our ocean. Marine protected areas (MPA) are one of the primary ways to protect marine biodiversity, but these special places and the species that call them home are increasingly impacted by climate change.



The panel will be moderated by Ms. Kris Sarri, President and CEO, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The panelists, Dr. Peter J. Auster, Senior Research Scientist, Mystic Aquarium, Dr. Dave Wiley, Research Coordinator, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and Dr. Tracey Dalton, Professor of Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island, will provide a unique view into local efforts to strengthen marine protected areas.  

Discussions will center on the role of MPAs in better understanding how to mitigate the threats of climate change, as well as how the changing climate is impacting the ocean.

This special presentation of Conservation in Action  debuts the Blue Beacon Series. Hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Blue Beacon Series brings together scientists, conservationists, and opinion leaders to discuss the biggest challenges facing the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes.  

While often the hardest to see, the goal of the Series is not only bring to light these big challenges but also what we can do to make an impact. The Blue Beacon Series includes panels, lectures, and film screenings that build on the momentum of Capitol Hill Ocean Week, the nation’s premier policy conference on ocean and Great Lakes issues.

A reception with light refreshments and a cash bar will follow the Conservation in Action event.  Registration is free but reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting the event page of MysticAquarium.org.

Mystic Aquarium’s Conservation in Action series features guest speakers who share their experiences with and contributions to the conservation of our ocean planet.