November 6, 2000

Global warming may effect Alaska marine mammals according to Dr. Brendan Kelly who will discuss the topic Friday (Nov. 10) at 7 p.m. at Egan Library on the UAS campus. His presentation is part of the free "Evening at Egan" lecture series.

Kelly, who teaches biology at UAS, says some global warming models "raise real concerns with species like walruses and ringed seals that depend on sea ice as platforms for resting and bearing their young." Kelly has been conducting Arctic research for a number of years. One aspect of his study has been to look at the relationship of marine mammals to sea ice "and what the effect of global warming might be on these animals beyond simply melting ice."

In addition to discussing marine mammals that are dependent on sea ice, Kelly will also talk about Steller sea lions, harbor seals and fur seals that, although living further south, may also be effected by climate change.

The "Evening at Egan" fall series takes place each Friday, except for the Thanksgiving holiday, through December 1. The presentations are open to the public.