Marine Science Lecture Series Continues at Stony Brook Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y., February 19, 2009 – The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and Stony Brook Southampton will present an interesting talk on shark biology and conservation in its “Critical Issues Facing the World’s Oceans” lecture series. The popular series regularly attracts 80-90 audience members.

Dr. Demian Chapman

Dr. Demian Chapman, an Assistant Professor in Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and Assistant Science Director for the Institute for Ocean Conservation and Science, will discuss “From C.S.I. to Virgin Births: What DNA can tell us about shark biology and conservation” on Friday, March 6, at &;30 p.m. in Stony Brook Southampton’s Duke Lecture Hall. A reception will follow. For further information, call 631-632-5046.

DNA analysis has not only transformed our understanding of the natural world, it has also revolutionized how we solve certain real world problems like paternity disputes and crime-scene investigations.

In this presentation, Dr. Chapman will show how DNA analysis is providing important new insights into shark biology and conservation. Dr. Chapman will illustrate this with examples from his research, ranging from a C.S.I. performed on shark fins taken during a raid on a seafood dealer’s warehouse in Brooklyn to a 16-year pedigree and census of sharks in tropical lagoon in the Bahamas. He will also describe how paternity testing revealed the surprising fact that female sharks that have not mated can occasionally produce offspring, a recent finding that made headlines worldwide.

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For Further Information, Contact Darren Johnson at 631-632-5088 or 631-316-1873