Science Sunday—Kelp Forest Resiliency: Life after Sea Urchin Grazing

Along California’s Central Coast, sea urchins have recently transformed a long-established kelp forest into an underwater mosaic—patchy forests interspersed with barrens void of kelp. What causes sea urchin outbreaks that result in widespread kelp deforestation? How will they end and when will kelp forests recover?

Join Joshua Smith as he disentangles the mechanisms that underpin kelp forest resiliency. Come learn what drives this changing ecosystem.

Joshua Smith, Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz

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Join the Seymour Marine Discovery Center on the third Sunday of every month (except December) for a public lecture from a marine scientist, who presents current research and topics in an entertaining and easy-to-understand format, with up-to-date photos, video, and discussion. Science Sunday is for everyone interested in the world around them.

  • Lectures are one hour long and take place at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at 1:30 PM.
  • Doors open to the lecture hall at 1:00 PM.
  • Lecture passes are available at the admissions counter at 12:30 PM.
  • Seating is limited and first-come, first-served. No late seating.
  • Lectures include time for a few questions at the end.
  • Recommended for ages 10 and older.

Science Sunday is free with membership or admission to the Seymour Center. UC Santa Cruz undergraduate students receive free admission with valid student ID.

Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Seymour Marine Discovery Center, La Feliz Room
100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, California 95060