Learn About Coral Reefs and Edible Insects Through the Aquarium’s Lectures in June

June 3, 2020

WHAT: Explore the world of coral reefs with Douglas Fenner on June 4 at 7:00 p.m. PDT. Coral reefs are highly valuable ecosystems, both for marine life and for humanity. Learn about the threats to coral reefs and what can be done to help protect them for our own sake and for that of the coral reefs and the marine life that depends on them. Fenner has studied coral reefs around the world for about thirty-five years. After working in the coral reef monitoring program in American Samoa, he now works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Protected Resources in a program to teach people around the Pacific how to identify their corals and assist them in coral reef conservation.

Corals are not just found in the tropics. Join Dr. Randi Rotjan as she discusses her work with temperate and deep-sea corals in her lecture on June 10 at 7:00 p.m. PDT. Dr. Rotjan is a research assistant professor at Boston University in the Biology Department and in the Boston University Marine Program. She is also the co-Chief Scientist of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area Conservation Trust, where she leads the science program for the worlds’ largest and deepest UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On June 17 at 7:00 p.m. PDT, Julie Lesnik will present a lecture on edible insects and human evolution. In her lecture, Lesnik will explore the value and potential of insects as food and examine our aversions through various cultural lenses. Lesnik is an assistant professor of anthropology at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Her research has been supported by the American Association of University Women and the Leakey Foundation. Lesnik was also a 2018-2019 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Leshner Leadership Institute on Public Engagement for the topic of food and water security.

The Guest Speaker Series is part of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Online Academy, which offers free live and on-demand educational resources for both kids and adults.

WHEN: Thursday, June 4, 2020, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PDT / Coral reefs: Douglas Fenner

Wednesday, June 10, 2020, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PDT / Randi Rotjan

Wednesday, June 17, 2020, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PDT / Edible insects: Julie Lesnik

WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: aquariumofpacific.org

COST: Anyone can tune in for FREE (no RSVPs required)

INFO: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org/news/lectures

​​​​​​​LECTURE SERIES SPONSORS: Courtyard Long Beach Downtown and Gazette Newspapers

ONLINE ACADEMY: With many kids and adults staying at home, the Aquarium is offering them free online resources with daily live and on-demand content through its Online Academy. In addition to daily live classes, exhibit webcams, and other fun and educational content, the Aquarium is offering its Guest Speaker Series. You can visit the Aquarium’s website or follow its social media channels for live feeds and updates. A schedule and links to these resources can be found on the Aquarium’s Online Academy webpage.

AQUARIUM: The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Pacific Visions, Ocean Science Center, Molina Animal Care Center, and the FROGS: Dazzling & Disappearing exhibit. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits. Visit the Aquarium’s website for reopening information at aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.