NSU to Host ‘Changing Seas’ Screenings Aug. 10 & 17

Nova Southeastern University and WPBT2 South Florida PBS invite you to visit the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography’s Ocean Campus for free screenings of the PBS series “Changing Seas” as part of NSU’s Summer Dive-In film series. The screenings are scheduled for August 10 and 17 from 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, with a reception from 7-7:30 p.m. The audience will learn about exciting new ocean research and will have the opportunity to ask questions during a panel discussion with renowned experts.

NSU’s Ocean Campus is at 8000 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood (in the Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson State Park – formerly the John U. Lloyd State Park). Parking is free.

Changing Seas is a public television series produced by WPBT2 in Miami and funded by the Batchelor Foundation, Divers Direct, Emocean Sports, Du Unto Others Trust and the Friends of Changing Seas.

Featured episodes for the upcoming screenings are:

August 10: Maug’s Caldera: A Natural Laboratory, a co-production with Open Boat Films

In the remote Pacific, the islands of Maug rise out of the sea. Formed by an ancient volcano, shallow hydrothermal vents are found close to coral reefs inside the submerged caldera. These vents emit levels of CO2 that can be expected in the world’s oceans by the end of the century, making these waters a natural laboratory for scientists studying the impacts of ocean acidification on coral reefs.

August 17: Manatees: Conserving a Marine Mammal

Every winter, hundreds of manatees aggregate at Crystal River, Florida, attracted by the warmer, spring-fed clear waters. This sanctuary is also a treasure for scientists, who take advantage of these manatee gatherings to study them. From decades of visual ID studies to the most cutting-edge DNA research, experts hope that science will help conserve this beloved marine mammal.

NSU is also seeking boat donations to help support dozens of research projects involving many of the university’s researchers and students. The boats will provide the opportunity to conduct field operations offshore Southeast Florida in order to support local, state, and federal management, as well as conservation and and understanding of our marine resources.

The college is requesting two reliable (approx. 26-30’) research vessels or dive boats that can each carry six divers and 18 tanks. The vessels need to be twin engine (outboards or in-board diesel) and easy to pilot since their boat drivers are students who are competent but not highly experienced. One of these boats needs a cabin to support operations that require dry space. Each vessel will average over 120 use days per year.

For more information or to make a donation, contact:

Wendy Wood-Derrer
Director of Development
wendyw@nova.edu | (954) 262-3617