Submitted by The Whale Museum

Dr. Frances Robertson — of SMRU Consulting and The Marine Ecology Lab, Simon Fraser University — will present “Tidal Attraction: Marine Mammals & Renewable Energy Developments.” This lecture will be held at The Whale Museum at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22, as part of The Whale Museum’s Summer Lecture Series.

Dr. Robertson has 15 years experience studying the impacts of coastal and offshore industries on cetacean populations in Canada, the U.S. and Scotland. Her research has focused on assessing the effects of vessel traffic, oil and gas exploration and fish farm activities on cetacean behavior, habitat use and distribution. She completed her Masters of Research in marine and fisheries biology at the University of Aberdeen in 2004 and prior to starting her Ph.D. in 2008 worked as a marine mammal observer in the seismic survey industry. Frances is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Simon Fraser University where, in collaboration with SMRU Consulting, she is studying marine mammal behavioral responses to tidal turbines.

The summer lecture series is dedicated to providing our local community and visiting public with knowledge and wonder of the natural world. The lectures are given by local or visiting experts in their field. Each lecture is free and held at The Whale Museum. Donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, call 378-4710 ext.30. The Whale Museum is located in Friday Harbor at 62 First St. North. Founded in 1976, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales through education and research. The Whale Museum can be found at www.whalemuseum.org.