Talk night A Whale of a Tail! Adrenaline fuelled adventures on the high seas studying our planets LEVIATHANS! by Leigh Hickmott.
Join one of our members Dr Leigh Hickmott to hear his 'up close and personal' tales of studying blue, fin and humpback whales in the Arctic, Azores, Patagonia and Antarctica. Learn about the joy (and not so joyous antics) of sailing to the remote island of Jan Mayen in the Arctic Ocean and the infamous Elephant Island in Antarctica. Leigh will introduce the novel tools and research methods he uses to learn about whale species and share 'behind the scenes' stories of making whale documentaries for National Geographic and the BBC's upcoming Blue Planet III. The talk will journey through the evolution of the great whales, the history of whaling and near extinction, followed by how these majestic creatures are currently faring in our changing oceans, including locally, along the south coast of England. Within the talk Leigh will not only provide information about whales far afield, but also guidance on whale and dolphin species you may see locally and how you can contribute to current research as citizen scientists. An informal Q&A about all things whale will follow the talk.
About the speaker: Research scientist and zoology expert Dr Leigh Hickmott has led international teams of scientists and film-makers on award-winning expeditions to document incredible wildlife stories. As a specialist in animal behaviour, Leigh's expertise and 25 year career have resulted in international collaborations with a variety of universities, government agencies, production houses and NGO's, studying some of the world's most unusual and cryptic species. Keen to showcase both the majesty and fragility of many of our planet's habitats, Leigh is a passionate science communicator whose research has spanned all seven continents and virtually from pole to pole. As a broadcaster Leigh's research has been featured on the BBC's Expedition Killer Whale and Frozen Planet II. He has been a scientific advisor for series including the upcoming BBC's Blue Planet III; National Geographic/Disney+'s Animals Up Close and Epic Adventures series; Netflix Our Oceans and other on-screen and radio appearances.
Following this, there will be an American Supper.
- Bar opens: 6:00 pm
- Talk begins: 7:00 pm
- American Supper: Immediately afterwards