Renowned biologist Carl Safina, an adjunct professor in Stony Brook’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, is a contender for one of the most prestigious awards for animal conservation—the $100,000 Indianapolis Prize—for his work in restoring marine populations and inspiring change. One of six finalists for the Prize, Safina is the founder of the Blue Ocean Institute and author of award-winning books, including Song for the Blue Ocean, Eye of the Albatross, and Voyage of the Turtle.
“Safina has worked tirelessly and brilliantly to call attention to the plight of marine and oceanic species and to initiate programs aimed at their conservation,” said James Gustave Speth, dean emeritus of Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. “Too often the world’s oceans have not figured prominently on the environmental protection agenda. Carl’s life has been dedicated to remedying this tragic oversight.”
Noting the steady declines in fish populations, Safina became a voice for the conservation and restoration of life in the sea. He helped lead movements to ban high-seas drift nets, reform federal fisheries laws, and achieve the passage of a United Nations global fisheries treaty. Safina has brought ocean conservation into the environmental mainstream by using science, art, and literature to inspire a “sea ethic.”
Safina just published his first children’s book, Nina Delmar and the Great Whale Rescue, and his upcoming book, The View from Lazy Point; A Natural Year in an Unnatural World, will be published this fall. He is also developing a TV series on conservation successes.
The winner of the 2010 Indianapolis Prize receives $100,000, along with the Lilly Medal, to be awarded at the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by Cummins Inc. The Gala is scheduled for September 25, 2010, at The Westin Hotel in Indianapolis.
The other finalists are Gerardo Ceballos, leader in conservation strategy; premier elephant expert Iain Douglas-Hamilton; Rodney Jackson, founder of the Snow Leopard Conservancy; famed cheetah researcher Laurie Marker; and Amanda Vincent, seahorse expert with the University of British Columbia.
“The passion and energy of these six finalists are the essence of the Indianapolis Prize. Their ability to connect conservation with the community has established hope for all species, including us,” said Indianapolis Prize Chair Myrta Pulliam.
To learn more about each of the finalists, how you can support their work, and the Indianapolis Prize, please visit indianapolisprize.org.
Provost’s Lecture April 23
Carl Safina will be giving a Provost’s Lecture on Friday, April 23, at 7:30 pm in the Charles B. Wang Center Theater as part of the University’s Earthstock celebration.
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