Unexplored Frontiers: Broad Explores Bahamas ‘Blue Holes’

MIAMI —; April 10, 2011 — Absolute darkness, dramatic reversing currents, extreme depths, poisonous gasses, tight squeezes… these are just some of the challenges that make ‘blue holes’ or sink holes under the sea, one of the least understood extreme ecosystems on the planet. The Sea Secrets lecture series welcomes National Geographic Emerging Explorer Dr. Kenny Broad, faculty member of the University of Miami’s (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and director of the UM Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, who was featured in a National Geographic magazine cover story last year. An engaging and energetic speaker, Broad will speak on April 20 in the Rosenstiel School Auditorium (4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key, Fla.) beginning at 6 p.m.

A specialized film team from the National Geographic Society participated in an expedition designed by Broad to the Bahamas, conducting more than 150 dives to some of the most dangerous locations in the world. From unknown microbes to the bones of extinct animals, hear a first-hand tale of what these mysterious and previously unexplored passageways hide. See images as divers navigate the cave corridors, going where no camera has gone before.

Sea Secrets will be immediately followed by the award presentation for the Rosenstiel School’s exciting annual Underwater Photography Contest. Amateur photographers from more than 20 countries have submitted over 600 stunning photos of sea life in four separate categories, Macro, Wide Angle, Portrait and the UM Student category. The top prize for the contest is a trip on Blackbeard’s Cruises, departing from Freeport, Bahamas.

UM’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, and the Ocean Research and Education Foundation host the Sea Secrets lecture series. The events are free and open to the public, and are designed to provide insight and information about the oceans that cover two-thirds of our planet, and much of which, are still an enigma. Lectures are preceded by a reception at 5:30p.m. The Sea Secrets lecture series is sponsored by the Rosenstiel School of Atmospheric Science, The Shepard Broad Foundation, The Charles N. and Eleanor Knight Leigh Foundation, Southern Wine & Spirits and is organized by Robert N. Ginsburg.

About the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School
The University of Miami is the largest private research institution in the southeastern United States. The University’s mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940’s, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world’s premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.rsmas.miami.edu.