Marine Mammal Lecture

 

Debbie Duffield, coordinator of the Northern Oregon/Southern Washington Marine Mammal Stranding Network (in partnership with the Seaside Aquarium), will be the first presenter in the annual “World of Haystack Rock” speaker series, sponsored by the Friends of Haystack Rock.  Dr. Duffield’s talk will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., in the Cannon Beach Library (131 N. Hemlock St.).  The event is free and open to the public.

Duffield is a professor in the biology department at Portland State University.  Her topic will be “Marine Mammals, They Don’t Eat Grapes.”  She will concentrate on changes that are occurring in our marine environment as they are reflected in the marine mammals of the Northwest. Her talk will provide an overview the marine mammals commonly seen close to our coastline and recent changes in the presence of various species, as well as the issues faced by these animals, especially as reflected in the marine mammal stranding network. These areas of concern include warming waters, redistribution of prey, increases in competition with humans, exposure to biotoxins from algal blooms, and disease.  Time will be allowed for questions and discussion.

The World of Haystack Rock series is offered on the second Wednesday of each month from November through April, with each presentation taking place at 7 p.m. in the Cannon Beach Library.  The Friends of Haystack Rock group supports Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock Awareness Program.

For more information about the event or the Friends of Haystack Rock, contact Tiffany Boothe, (503) 738-6211, seasideaquarium@gmail.com.