February 8th at 4pm & 7pm

Seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon: It’s Not Easy Being Green! (Kermit’s Lament)

Presented by M. Dennis Hanisak

HBOI-FAU

About the Lecture

To survive in the marine environment, seagrasses face numerous challenges. This lecture will provide an overview of seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon, the ecological and economic importance of seagrass, and its historical trends and current status in the lagoon.

About the Speaker

Dr. Dennis Hanisak is a Research Professor at HBOI/FAU, Director of its Coastal Ecosystems Research Center, and Director of Education. He has 30 years of experience in marine biology and ecology, with emphasis on marine plants, particularly macroalgae (seaweeds) and seagrasses. He has worked at Harbor Branch since 1977, conducting research on marine plants in the Indian River Lagoon and in other parts of Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

Dr. Hanisak is the author of over 70 scientific publications, a frequently invited participant at national and international meetings and workshops, a past President of the International Phycological Society, and a past President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Phycological Society of America.

As Director of Harbor Branch's Education Program, Dr. Hanisak is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation by students and the public of the importance of the oceans and their impact on our lives. Among other activities, he leads and develops programs for university students (including the Semester by the Sea program), the Harbor Branch Summer Intern program, innovative programs with St. Lucie County School District (including the establishment of Marine & Oceanographic Academy on the Harbor Branch campus), and the Ocean Science Lecture Series for the public. It is his belief that working scientists need to convey what they do and why it is important to students, resource managers, and the public, as well as to scientific colleagues.

Johnson Education Center, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University,  5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL.  Telephone 772-242-2506.