1:39 p.m., June 13, 2008-- The second installment of the 2008 University of Delaware College of Marine and Earth Studies (CMES) Ocean Currents Lecture Series will highlight the world of rescue and response for stranded sea mammals and turtles.

The lecture will be given by Suzanne Thurman, founder and director of the Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute Inc. (MERR). MERR is the official stranding response organization for marine mammals and sea turtles in Delaware and is the leading authority on whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea turtles occurring along Delaware's coast and inland waterways.

The free lecture will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 26, in Room 104 of the Cannon Laboratory at UD's Hugh R. Sharp Campus on Pilottown Road in Lewes, Del.

“Delaware forms a unique area of the Mid-Atlantic region, attracting an unusually wide diversity of species at the extent of their southern and northernmost ranges,” Thurman said. “As a result, we experience 40 or more different species of endangered marine animals throughout the year.”

The lecture, titled “Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of the Delaware Coast,” will focus on the fascinating natural history of these species, and will highlight specific stranding and rescue events for the more than 100 animals that have stranded during the past year. The hour-long talk will include a hands-on exhibit featuring artifacts and photos from many of the species that occur along the coast. It will include sea turtle shells, whale bones and much more.

Light refreshments will be provided at the event, which is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.

For reservations, or to check dates, times and topics of upcoming lectures, contact Peggy Conlon at [peggy@udel.edu] or (302) 645-4279. You can also visit [www.ocean.udel.edu] and click on Workshop, Seminar, Lecture and Event Schedules.

Additional events in the Ocean Currents Lecture Series this year will take place in July and August. They will cover topics such as scientific exploration with ships and submersible robots, as well as the natural history and migration of ospreys.

For more about UD's College of Marine and Earth Studies, visit www.ocean.udel.edu.