Oceans Update
Oceans Update Presented by Diventures
Hosted by Alex Brylske, PhD of Ocean Education International
Oceans Update Presented by Diventures webinar series provides a virtual platform for divers and ocean enthusiasts to engage in a meaningful and positive discussion about the state of our oceans and marine ecosystems.
Join Alex Brylske, PhD, founder of Ocean Education International, as he reviews ocean and aquatic science and conservation items happening in real time around the world. Viewers will explore the significance of our marine ecosystems and engage in rarely discussed aspects of marine life with experts in their respective fields. We’ll also hear unique natural/cultural perspectives on popular dive destinations. Each 60-minute webinar will end with a Q&A session open to all viewers.
Through this webinar series, Diventures aims to educate and advocate for the future of our oceans and marine ecosystems. By understanding the functions and importance of the underwater world, a diver’s experience can be enhanced and the future of our oceans can be restored.
Upcoming Webinars
Episode 9: “The Year in Review: Important Conservation Stories of 2023″
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST / 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
Join Alex Brylske, PhD on December 13th at 11:30 AM CST/12:30 PM ET for the ninth episode of Oceans Update Presented by Diventures, a webinar series discussing the state of our oceans and marine ecosystems and highlighting popular dive travel destinations. This month’s webinar will be a review of the year and discuss important conservation stories of 2023.
Episode 1: Secrets of the Coral Reef
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
The program explores the “shifting baseline” phenomenon and aspects of coral ecology rarely addressed. It highlights how science is expanding its understanding of a wide range of issues from coral physiology to resource management. Also addressed are both ongoing and emerging threats to coral reefs and how divers can contribute to successful marine conservation efforts.
Episode 1 references.
Episode 2: Understanding Coral Reef Fishes
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Expanding on the seminar, Secrets of the Coral Reef, this program is devoted exclusively to understanding some rarely addressed aspects of coral reef fishes. The discussion explores how “form drives function” along with how this relates to behavior. Also addressed are recent insights into fish reproductive biology and the profound effects overfishing can have on coral reef food webs.
Episode 2 references.
Episode 3: What You Should Know About Lionfish
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Lionfish are the ultimate “Beauty and the Beast” story. Renowned as one of the most spectacular Indo-Pacific reef residents, their introduction into the Atlantic has caused a major environmental disruption. This discussion will explore the unique characterizations of the lionfish which have enabled them to become the most problematic marine species ever to invade this hemisphere, and what is being done to address the issue.
Episode 3 references.
Episode 4: The Human-Shark Equation
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Sharks are among the most awe-inspiring creatures that divers encounter. But most presentations about sharks focus on intriguing characteristics and capabilities of the animals themselves. This discussion will instead address why sharks are not only fascinating but vital to the health of marine ecosystems and how they can contribute immeasurably to the health and well-being of humans.
Episode 4 references.
Episode 5: Becoming an Ocean Steward
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
The ocean is in a serious state of decline and divers are often the first ones to witness the problems it faces. But divers can also be in the vanguard of helping to reverse this trend and return the sea to a healthier state. This discussion will provide a step-by-step guide to exactly how divers can make a difference by turning their passion into purpose.
Episode 5 references.
Episode 6: “Fluoro Diving”: A New Way to Experience the Reef at Night
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
While humans have excellent color vision, we are blind to the realm of ultraviolet. Yet many marine creatures can display a cornucopia of psychedelic colors at night when illuminated by ultraviolet light. This discussion will explain exactly why this happens and, more importantly, what implications this has for the conservation of coral reefs.
Episode 6 references.
Episode 7: “Healthy Reef Systems”
Join Alex Brylske, PhD for the seventh episode of Oceans Update Presented by Diventures, a webinar series discussing the state of our oceans and marine ecosystems and highlighting popular dive travel destinations. This August’s webinar will cover the difference between a healthy and unhealthy reef.
Episode 7 references.
Episode 8: “Why Sharks Are Special”
Join Alex Brylske, PhD for the eighth episode of Oceans Update Presented by Diventures, a webinar series discussing the state of our oceans and marine ecosystems and highlighting popular dive travel destinations. This October’s webinar will explore sharks as organisms, focusing on their amazing anatomy and physiology.
Episode 8 references.
Dr. Alex Brylske
Founder of Ocean Education International
Director of Education at Reef Smart
Marine Education & Conservation Specialist
Ocean Education International’s principal and founder, Dr. Alex Brylske, brings to the table a long and varied career as an educator, writer and program developer. His 40-plus year career has taken him to destinations all around the globe, where he has worked for companies in the private sector, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations.
As a Scuba Instructor for more than five decades, he has amassed well over 5,000 dives in more than three dozen countries around the world. In 2012 he was selected by the Divers Alert Network as the DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year, one of scuba diving’s most prestigious awards.
Since his retirement as Professor of Marine Science at the College of the Florida Keys, Dr. Brylske has refocused his efforts on creating innovative programs in marine science and conservation for divers and other ocean enthusiasts.
Read more about his dive and education experiences.
Publications by Dr. Alex Brylske
Contact your local Diventures to purchase these publications.
For more information, contact Ocean Health Education & Conservation Coordinator Sabrina Severin at [email protected].
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