Sea Life Expert Promotes Recycling to RWU Students

Many young scientists were seated in the College of Arts and Sciences lecture hall. Refreshments in hand and notebooks open to a clean page, they were ready for the arrival of the evening’s lecturer. 

expectantly awaited the arrival of renowned marine scientist, Dr. Ellen Prager. Prager, in association with Microsoft Research, introduced her new book Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter to the campus community. As she broke down each chapter, Prager engaged audience members with her bizarre facts and interesting comments.

“I would hope it’s an entertaining way to look at diversity of the sea and how they are undeniably connected to humankind,” said Prager.

According to Prager, fish are everywhere and whether we are aware of it or not they are related to us in some way. Prager said that 520 million people are employed indirectly in some way through fishing and aquaculture.

“Fish are really a part of culture, not just food and jobs,” said Prager.

An important element of ocean life that influences humans are coral reefs. Coral reefs not only act as residences of sea creatures but are an important source of food.

“They provide seafood and service worth $375 billion per year,” said Prager. “Incredibly important not on just an esoteric level.”

Prager showed pictures of each creature she discussed. Visual aids allowed audience members to fully understand all of her points. The most important point Prager made came at the end of her speech. She stressed how much human beings have an impact on ocean life and how we are slowly destroying their habitat.

“These are real problems that we’re causing in the ocean,” said Prager.

Pragger hopes that readers of her book and those who hear her speak will take away this one important message. If nothing else is learned, let people learn to protect our environment.

“You have a voice, you can change your behavior,” said Prager. “Recycle as much as you can.”