FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Picture This

Final Sea Secrets lecture spotlights photography and annual contest winners

VIRGINIA KEY, FL (April 25, 2006) — The University of Miami Rosenstiel School and the Ocean Research and Education Foundation will discuss “Diving in the Heart of Marine Biodiversity: The Endless Wonders of Eastern Indonesia,” on Wed., May 3 at 6:15 p.m. in the Rosenstiel School Auditorium, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key as the final talk in this year's Sea Secrets lecture series. Mr. Ned DeLoach, author/photographer/naturalist, will present this lecture that is free to the public and that includes a reception at 5:30 p.m., preceding the event, as well as a post-lecture reception to celebrate with the school's photo contest winners.

Photos: Ned DeLoach

Ned and Anna DeLoach have spent six years traveling the far reaches of eastern Indonesia, capturing its underwater natural history in arresting photographs. They've snapped photos of exotic marine wildlife in the species-rich waters of northern Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea, Timor, Komodo, Lombok, and Bali. From the brilliantly colored flasher wrasse to an octopus walking on two legs, their rare images not only document many of the world's most recently discovered marine creatures, but also offer a glimpse into the animals' endlessly fascinating behaviors. This talk will feature exceptional story telling accompanied by unparalleled underwater photos.

The school also will announce the winners of the 2^nd Annual Rosenstiel Underwater Photography Contest and display their entries at a special showing in the Rosenstiel School library after the lecture. Guests are invited to the Library after the lecture, for a 7:30 p.m. cocktail reception honoring the winners and their stunning photographs.

The Lawrence J. and Florence A. DeGeorge Charitable Trust, the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, the Charles N. and Eleanor Knight Lee Foundation, and the International Oceanographic Foundation are sponsoring this year's monthly lecture series. The Rosenstiel School designed this series of evening programs specifically for the South Florida non-scientific community to learn more about our blue planet and to meet distinguished scientists and explorers from around the world. All events are free and open to the public; however, seating is limited. For further information, please call 305/421-4061.

Rosenstiel School is part of the University of Miami and, since its founding in the 1940s, has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions.

Media Contact:
Ivy Kupec, Communications Director
University of Miami
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
305.421.4704 (o)
305.984.7107 (m) http://www.rsmas.miami.edu