Marine conservation focus of UMaine alumna talk Aug. 10 at DMC

Amanda Leland, executive vice president of the Environmental Defense Fund, will give a talk titled, “Doom and gloom or ocean optimism? Marine conservation for a rapidly changing planet” at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 10 in Brooke Hall at the University of Maine Darling Marine Center.

She’ll discuss how overfishing, climate change and pollution put pressure on the world’s oceans. And she’ll offer perspective about how to tackle these challenges and create a brighter future for the blue planet.

Under Leland’s leadership, EDF’s Oceans Program has catalyzed reforms and advanced tangible results for people and the marine environment. Leland earned a master’s in marine biology at UMaine; she completed her master’s research at the DMC and was advised by Bob Steneck, a researcher and professor in the School of Marine Sciences.

Leland’s talk is part of the DMC’s free, public science seminar series that provides opportunities to discuss current marine research. Visit dmc.umaine.edu/seminars to preregister and for the list of other featured speakers and topics. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, call 207.563.3146.