FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hoping to ‘Rescue’ Ailing Coral Populations

Preeminent Coral Scientist To Discuss Coral Adaptations
to Climate Change in Free Public Lecture in Naples

VIRGINIA KEY, FLA. (Apr. 7, 2008) — The Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science’s Sea Secrets lecture series returns to Naples with its upcoming talk: “Changing by degrees: the fate of coral reef ecosystems in an era of climate change,” to be held on Thursday, April 10 at 6:15 p.m. in The Garden of Hope and Courage at the NCH Healthcare System, Downtown Naples Hospital Campus located at 350 7th Street North, Naples, Fla. Renowned coral reef scientist Dr. Andrew Baker, assistant professor of Marine Biology and Fisheries at the Rosenstiel School, will share his latest research exploring innovative new way to help corals adapt to increases in temperature and carbon dioxide in the world’s oceans. A complimentary reception precedes the lecture at 5:30 p.m.

A 2008 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation, Dr. Baker has spent much of his career looking at the impacts of climate change on corals and how their symbiotic algae might be key to their survival.  His initial breakthrough discovery-- that reef corals may be able to withstand climate change by switching algal partners-- was published in the journal Nature and hailed by Discover magazine as one of the “Top 100 Science Stories of 2001.”  Over the past 12 years he has collected more than 12,000 samples of coral tissue from over 20 countries on four continents, and is now investigating ways of introducing heat-tolerant algae into corals to make them more stress tolerant.

The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School and the NCH Healthcare System sponsor the Sea Secrets Naples 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. Please R.S.V.P. to Carla Lovinsky in at (305) 421-4061 or clovinsky@rsmas.miami.edu.

Founded in the 1940’s, the University of Miami’s 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

Media Contact:
Barbra Gonzalez, Communications Director
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
305.421.4704
barbgo@rsmas.miami.edu