The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity holds the annual Smith Memorial Lecture in memory of Professor JLB Smith and his wife, Margaret Mary Smith.
JLB Smith was a Chemistry lecturer at Rhodes University with a passion for fishes. Smith is famous for his identification of the long-believed extinct coelacanth in 1938 and, through this synchronous discovery, setting the foundation for Ichthyological research in South Africa. Margaret Smith began her career in Ichthyology as JLB Smith’s research assistant and became his research partner. After his death in 1968, using the substantial collection of fishes she and her husband had established during their close working relationship, Margaret Smith set up and later became Director of the JLB Smith Institute for Ichthyology. The lecture commemorates their legacy of discovery and research in Ichthyology and related fields.
Dr Mark Penning will present the 2011 Smith Memorial Lecture:
“The evolution of public aquariums into centres of science and conservation.”
Venue: Eden Grove Blue Lecture Theatre, Artillery Road, Rhodes University
Date: Thursday 22 September
Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm
ALL WELCOME
Refreshments will be available after the lecture
The public aquarium is no longer a place to simply view the oddities of nature. Modern aquariums and zoos have become trusted centres of learning and credible partners in biodiversity conservation. Our job is to inspire people to care about the ocean and its creatures, and to ensure that we harvest her resources responsibly. After all, we want our grandchildren to enjoy those same benefits! We do this by providing unforgettable experiences for people, and helping them to connect with animals. Some connect best with the majestic dolphin, some with the cryptic octopus or the comical seal. But connect they do and the memories of that connection last forever. SAAMBR combines bona fide scientific research with advanced veterinary and technological capacity to inspire people, and works closely with scientists and management agencies in the field to improve or maintain our natural heritage.
Dr Penning’s presentation will show how this is achieved from a local and international perspective.
Dr Penning is a vet by training and the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) in Durban, incorporating the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), uShaka Sea World and the Sea World Education Centre.
