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MEDIA CONTACT:
Caroline Witherspoon or
Taryn Bohan
Becker Communications, Inc.
(808) 533-4165

WAIKIKI AQUARIUM’S DISTINGUISHED LECTURER SERIES SPOTLIGHTS “THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CORALS” WITH DR. RUTH D. GATES ON APRIL 7

HONOLULU, HI – The Waikiki Aquarium will continue its popular Distinguished Lecture Series with internationally recognized researcher and Director of University of Hawaii’s, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Dr. Ruth D. Gates on Thursday, April 7, 2016. Dr. Gates will discuss “The Wonderful World of Corals,” focusing on the threatening conditions facing coral reefs in Hawaii and around the globe.

“My primary research focus is on defining biological traits that drive the differences in performance among corals and reefs,” said Dr. Gates. “I hope to inform the public on coral reefs unique functions and why the conservation of these beautiful ecosystems is important.”

Dr. Gates currently serves as elected President of the International Society of Reef studies, was awarded the UH Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Research in 2014 and was honored as the ARCS Foundation Scientist of the Year in 2015. Most recently she was named as one of Hawaii Business magazine’s 20 for the next 20 in 2016 as an emerging leader who has already made and will continue to make major contributions to Hawaii.

“Programs like the Distinguished Lecture Series support the Waikiki Aquarium’s mission to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation and conservation of Pacific marine life,” said Dr. Andrew Rossiter, Director of the Waikiki Aquarium. “Lecture-goers will be able to gain a greater understanding of the importance of coral reefs and their diverse ecosystems through Dr. Gates’ intriguing lecture.”

Presented by Professional Programs at Punahou School and Friends of Waikiki Aquarium, the Distinguished Lecture Series is free. The Wonderful World of Corals will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Thurston Memorial Chapel, Punahou School. For more information, call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org/distinguished-lecture-series/.

About the Waikiki Aquarium
Founded in 1904 and administered by the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa since 1919, the Waikiki Aquarium is located on the shoreline of Waikiki Beach next to a living reef and across from Kapiolani Park. The Aquarium – second oldest in the U.S. – showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,500 marine specimens. Public exhibits, education programs and research focus on the unique aquatic life of Hawai‘i and the tropical Pacific. The Aquarium welcomes more than 320,000 visitors annually, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Honolulu Marathon Sunday and Christmas Day. Admission is $12 for visitors; $8 for local residents and active duty military with ID, $5 for senior citizens and juniors ages four to 12; and free for children three and under and Friends of Waikiki Aquarium (FOWA) members. For more information about the Waikiki Aquarium, including membership, call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.

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