BY DAVE REID
March 8, 2004 :: No. 170
Marine Biologist To Discuss Human
Impact on Local Shores
Cal State Fullerton professor Steven N. Murray,
a veteran marine biologist and one of only two Californians serving
on the National Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee,
will discuss “Science, Seashores, the Public and Marine Protection”
Monday, March 15, at this year’s Outstanding Professor Lecture.
The public lecture will be held at 11 a.m. in Portola
Pavilion of the Titan Student Union.
Murray will present an overview of the research work
he’s conducted over the last 10 years with graduate students
to evaluate the effectiveness of rocky shore marine life refuges.
His examination of Orange County shores looks at the effects of
the impact of visitors on rocky shore populations and communities.
In addition, he will discuss his experiences as a
member of science panels convened to provide advice on improving
coastal marine protection, and will address the roles played by
the science panels and the public in marine-protected areas.
The professor of biological science has taught at
Cal State Fullerton for more than three decades, and is recognized
as one of the nation’s leading authorities in the field of
phycology (the study of marine plants), intertidal ecology and coastal
marine conservation.
Murray has long been interested in the ecology of
rocky shore plants and animals and how the activities of human have
affected these organisms. He has obtained three instructional grants
and multiple research grants worth more than $1.7 million since
1994. His research was used to support a bill in the legislature
that banned the sale of several species of green, feather-like seaweed
also known as killer algae that was for use in salt-water aquariums.
In January, Murray received an $87,750 grant from
the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission in connection with
his research on invasive species of algae.
“He is well-known around the world as a phycologist,
ecologist, naturalist and conservation biologist,” said Paul
Dayton of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. “Even as
I sit here, I can think of people from at least six countries who
have sung his praise to me. His papers are heavily cited and very
highly regarded. Scientifically, he is a star.”
“I have relied on Dr. Murray’s research
and advice for more than 20 years in conducting my own research
and in guiding national park stewardship in California,” noted
Gary E. David, visiting chief scientist of the National Park Service,
U.S. Department of the Interior. “He is recognized nationally
and internationally as an outstanding marine ecologist and as a
leader in developing, interpreting and applying science to major
policy issues.”
The Outstanding Professor Lecture is sponsored by
the President’s Office, Office of the Vice President for Academic
Affairs, Academic Senate, President’s Associates and the Faculty
Development Center.
Media Contacts: |
Steven N. Murray, professor
of biological science, at 657-278-7291 or smurray@fullerton.edu
Dave Reid, Public Affairs, at 657-278-4855
or dreid@fullerton.edu |
|