Aquarium researcher explores world of dugongs, the unusual relatives of manatees from Australia

WHAT: Closely related to portly manatees, the dugong is an unusual marine mammal. They have a vast range that spans the Indo-Pacific region, but they rely on inshore habitats, placing them in close proximity to humans. Notoriously difficult to study, dugong research in the past had been obtained through carcass analysis from incidental drownings and indigenous harvests.

WHO: New England Aquarium Researcher Elizabeth Burgess has been involved in a unique project to study live dugongs in Australia, using a hands-on approach to better understand their reproduction. She analyzed their pregnancies, seasonality, reproductive strategies and stress responses. In her lecture, she will take attendees on a trip down the urban coast of Australia to explore this unique marine species, sometimes called “mermaids,” and will share her novel research approaches.

WHEN: The free lecture takes place Thursday, May 26 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: New England Aquarium’s Simons IMAX Theatre, Central Wharf, Boston

REGISTRATION: Register online: http://support.neaq.org/site/Calendar?id=106448&view=Detail

THANKS: The Aquarium’s series of free lectures, films, and discussions is made possible by the generous support of the Lowell Institute.