ExplorOcean Presents: Can You Hear Me Now? Coping With an Increasingly Noisy Ocean

Marine Bioacoustician Dr. Ana Sirovic to Share Insights on the Rise of Background Noise Levels Across the World's Oceans


NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwired - May 12, 2014) - Have you ever wondered what the depths of the ocean truly sound like to the multitudes of marine life who call the ocean their home? As part of ExplorOcean's monthly lecture series, on May 29, 2014 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dr. Ana Širović will discuss the significant increase in background noise levels across the world's oceans and the important ramifications it may have on various marine organisms.

Širović is a marine bioacoustician at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. A native of Croatia, she earned a B.A. in creative studies with a biology emphasis from the University of California Santa Barbara and a Ph.D. in oceanography at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. As a researcher at the school's marine physical laboratory, Širović's expertise focuses on marine biacoustics, especially the use of acoustic methods and technologies to promote a better understanding of endangered marine species. With the increase in human use of the ocean, background noise levels have risen dramatically and this increase might have important effects on whales, fish, and other marine mammals that rely on sounds to navigate, find food, and search for mates, among other biological needs. Širović has logged more than 300 days of sea time, predominantly in the Southern Ocean.

Tom Pollack, ExplorOcean's CEO, notes: "We're proud to welcome Dr. Ana Širović to our ExplorOcean lecture series. To have such high-level speakers as Dr. Širović contribute to our monthly lecture series enriches our programs and our commitment to ocean literacy. Her conversation on the rise in ocean background noise levels is a timely subject and will certainly resonate with our members concerned about the future ocean environment."

The lecture is hosted by ExplorOcean at 600 East Bay Ave., Newport Beach, Calif. It is free to members and $15 per talk for non-members. To register, or for more information, visit http://explorocean.org/education/lecture-series/.

ABOUT EXPLOROCEAN: ExplorOcean, America's premier ocean literacy center, offers a world-class ocean literacy platform and cultural destination where visitors can immerse themselves in interactive exhibitions devised to develop the curious explorer within. ExplorOcean's high quality programs which are grounded in the seven principles of ocean literacy and in STEM content include single day camps, multi-day camps, classes, monthly lectures and an impressive underwater robotics program developed by the director of education, Dr. Wendy Marshall. Headquartered on the Balboa Peninsula between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the bustling Newport Harbor, the center's nearly two-acre location is the perfect place for people of all ages to learn about the seven seas. For more information about ExplorOcean, please visit www.ExplorOcean.org.

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Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc.
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