Science Speaker Series - Loretta Roberson

Each summer, the Maria Mitchell Association hosts scientists and research experts on a wide variety of scientific topics. Join us for this week's talk on “Coral Reefs in a Changing World” with Dr. Loretta Roberson from the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. As coral reefs face increasing pressures from changing climates, larger human populations near coastlines, and overfishing, as evidenced by the devastating bleaching reported on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia this year, it is imperative that we understand how and why reefs have declined before these fragile ecosystems disappear. Dr. Roberson will provide an overview on the status of reef ecosystems around the world and why we should be worried about the changes that have been observed. She will also discuss new research and initiatives at the Marine Biological Laboratory that can help us minimize or reverse the effects of a changing world seen not only in coral reefs but in marine habitats from Cape Cod to the Caribbean and beyond. Members: Free Non-members: $10 Parking in town lot