Neighbor News
Traveling the world to protect unusual sawfish
Researcher to give lecture on efforts in Mozambique to understand their endangered status Thursday, July 21 at 7 p.m.
WHAT: Sawfish, also known as carpenter sharks, are a unique but bizarre looking animal that is endangered. With their saw-like snouts, sawfish, which are part of the ray family, can cut their prey or dig in the sediment, but their snouts also get entangled in fishing nets so they are threatened with extinction. There is little known about where sawfish live so it is difficult to research and to help conserve those that remain.
WHO: For the last four years, Ruth Leeney, PhD has been traveling to eight countries to collect research on sawfish and their diminishing populations, the first study of its kind conducted in Eastern Africa. Director of her nonprofit, Protect Africa’s Sawfishes, Leeney will discuss findings from her research, in addition to her experience traveling in hard to reach and fascinating regions. She is a recipient of funding from the New England Aquarium’s Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) which offers small grants to scientists and grassroots organizations working with a variety of species. In 2013, Leeney received a MCAF grant to expand her work in Mozambique. MCAF has funded more than 120 key projects since it was started in 1999.
WHEN: The free lecture takes place Thursday, July 21 at 7 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Back Bayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
WHERE: New England Aquarium’s Simons IMAX Theatre, Central Wharf, Boston, Mass.
Find out what's happening in Back Bayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
HOW: Pre-registration is encouraged on the Aquarium’s website, http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/programs_and_classes/aquarium_lecture_series/index.php or call 617-973-5200 for more information.
NOTE: The Aquarium hosts a series of informative free lectures, films, and discussions for the community this summer. The Lowell Institute supports the lectures. Most are available on the Aquarium’s YouTube channel afterward.
