2026 Coastal Lecture Series
This year’s speakers will dive into fascinating topics including sea turtles, sharks, coral reefs, the Everglades, toxic algae blooms, scrub jays, and more—bringing timely research and real-world conservation stories straight to you.
These FREE lectures will take place every Tuesday night from January 20 to March 10 at 6:30 p.m at the Blake Library in Stuart. Prefer to tune in from home? We’ve got you covered— each lecture will also be simulcast live via Zoom.
How to Attend
In Person at the Blake Library:
-
Registration is not required, but seating is limited.
- We recommend arriving 15–20 minutes early to secure your spot.
Virtually via Zoom:
- Registration is required for online attendance.
- Sign up for each lecture individually using the registration links below.
For questions, please contact Dr. Zack Jud, Director of Education & Exhibits, at [email protected].
More info coming soon!
This Year's Lineup
January 20, 2026
A Year in Review: Research and Conservation at Florida Oceanographic Society
Scientific research is a key component of Florida Oceanographic Society’s conservation-focused mission. Gain a better understanding of the important research being carried out by Florida Oceanographic scientists on topics like water quality, seagrass genetics, and oyster diseases.
Presented by Dr. Krista McCoy, Director of Scientific Research and Conservation, Florida Oceanographic Society
January 27, 2026
The Everglades: The River of Change
The River of Grass was once considered a wasteland, but today, the true value of the Everglades is apparent. Take a look at the history of the Everglades over the last 150 years to see how early efforts to drain this subtropical wetland have led to one of the largest restoration efforts on Earth.
Presented by John Nelson, President, Audubon of Martin County Institute
February 4, 2026
Marine Chemical Ecology in Our Changing Ocean
The ocean is filled with complex connections between plants, animals, and the chemicals that make them tick. Learn about potent chemicals produced by cyanobacteria, chemical warfare between corals and algae, and the chemical cues that help baby corals find their home on the reef.
Presented by Dr. Valerie Paul, Director, Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce Florida
February 10, 2026
Encounters With Gentle Giants: A Year in the Life of Sea Turtles
The beaches of Palm Beach County have some of the highest sea turtle nesting densities in the United States. Hit the beach to see how researchers at Loggerhead Marinelife Center are working to protect Earth’s last “living dinosaurs” through nest monitoring, sea turtle tracking, and other scientific studies.
Presented by Dr. Ellen Prager, Internationally Recognized Marine Scientist and Author Dave Jones, Meteorologist and Author
February 17, 2026
Shark and Ray Research at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
As apex predators, sharks play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, but depredation by sharks and rays can create conflict. Discover the impacts that sharks and rays have on recreational fisheries and aquaculture through their consumption of hooked fish and farm-raised shellfish.
Presented by Dr. Matt Ajemian, Associate Research Professor, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
February 24, 2026
The World According to Sharks: Lessons on Survival from Earth's Oldest Predator
Sharks have been on Earth for >450 million years, but many shark populations are in decline due to warming water, overfishing, and habitat loss. Dive in to see how bull and tiger sharks are altering their movement patterns in response to climate change, and the factors that are driving these shifts.
Presented Dr. Toby Daly-Engel, Associate Professor, Florida Institute of Technology
March 4, 2025
The Last Stronghold: Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish in Florida
South Florida’s coastal waters are an important refuge for a rare fish that looks like a shark with a hedge trimmer attached to its face. Dive in to learn about the endangered smalltooth sawfish and what’s being done to promote the recovery of this unique species in the Indian River Lagoon and beyond.
Presented by Dr. Gregg Poulakis, Fish Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
March 11, 2025
A Forgotten Kinship: The Role of Seabirds in Maritime Cultures, Ocean Exploration, and Marine Conservation
Seabird populations dropped 70% over the past 60 years due to factors such as invasive species, unsustainable fisheries, and pollution. Explore the ecological importance of seabirds from coral reefs to mountain tops, their role in maritime cultures, and efforts to conserve and protect seabird populations.
Presented by Dr. Sea McKeon, Marine Program Director, American Bird Conservancy
